New wooden house in Helsinki: sustainability and flexibility combined
Find out more about Stora Enso's impressive new head office in Helsinki: a sustainable solid wood building that stores CO2 and is flexibly adaptable. Discover the innovative architecture!
New wooden house in Helsinki: sustainability and flexibility combined
In the vibrant coastal city of Helsinki, Stora Enso recently opened its new headquarters at Katajanokan Laituri Pier. The company now has its headquarters in the largest solid wood building in Finland. This impressive structure was completed in the summer of this year and, on four floors, houses not only the company's offices, but also the Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4, as well as a restaurant and a café open to the public.
What is special about this construction project is the use of light, prefabricated solid wood elements. They enabled the construction of a multi-storey mixed-use building in a historic and central port area of Helsinki, something that had not been possible for a long time. This construction method not only contributes to architectural diversity, but is also a sign of sustainable construction in today's world. The concept comes from the renowned architects Anttinen Oiva, whose design flexibility ensures future adaptations to the needs of users.
Fast and efficient implementation
The construction challenge was overcome through impressive logistics: the over 2,000 load-bearing wooden elements were installed in 171 just-in-time deliveries within less than seven months. This efficient planning allows the building to be adapted to future needs if it is no longer used as a hotel or office. The potential for flexible redesign therefore remains.
Sustainability in focus
An outstanding feature of the new building is the significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions. Compared to traditional concrete construction, Stora Enso was able to reduce emissions during production and construction by an impressive 35 percent. The wooden elements used not only store carbon, but also sequestered 6,000 tons of CO2 in the atmosphere during their growth. This CO2 is now retained in the structure for at least 100 years, which is the amount the building will need during its first 50 years of use.
For more information and a detailed look at this remarkable project, please visit holzmagazin.com.