A next-generation timber landmark
Completed in the Katajanokka district of Helsinki, Katajanokan Laituri is one of Finland’s most ambitious recent construction projects. As the first new building to regenerate the formerly industrial waterfront, it directly connects to Helsinki’s iconic maritime cityscape, rising from the shoreline with a presence that is both bold and welcoming. Designed by Anttinen Oiva Architects – the architects behind the Kaisa House Library at the University of Helsinki – the 23 000-square-metre mass timber building is the largest of its kind in Finland. It combines headquarters for the leading Nordic forestry company Stora Enso with the Solo Soko Pier 4 Hotel as well as public urban spaces.
Owned by pension insurance company Varma, with Haahtela as main contractor, the project signals Finland’s commitment to low-carbon construction, while inside, Rockfon acoustic solutions installed by Sisärakenne Isomäki play a defining role in delivering acoustic comfort and speech clarity.
Acoustics at the heart of expansive spaces
Two Rockfon acoustic solutions were specified to meet the ambitious acoustic requirements. The seamless solution Rockfon Mono Acoustic was installed all across the curved balcony edges throughout the atrium, merging entirely into the spatial vision to deliver Class A sound absorption. Its fine-grained render surface creates a clean, monolithic appearance that integrates with timber details and natural light, allowing for smooth curves and an uninterrupted finish.
In a locker room, Rockfon Color-all Special acoustic ceiling tiles were installed in a bespoke burgundy shade, installed with the X edge for a concealed grid. The tone was chosen to match the tiled flooring, creating a continuous and grounded look, while also standing in striking contrast to the cream-white lockers and walls. Beyond aesthetics, the ceiling plays a vital acoustic role: in a space filled with metal fixtures, plumbing, and other reflective surfaces, Class A absorption reduces reverberation, making the room calmer and more comfortable for users.
“This project was exciting from the start. It was great to deliver acoustic solutions that not only perform well, but also look good – for both the office spaces and hotel areas,” says Tommi Loiri, Regional Sales Manager at Rockfon. The Rockfon team was involved from the early planning stages, enabling true co-creation with architects and designers. A key step was a test installation carried out at Rockfon’s demo space in its Vantaa warehouse, where lighting integration, edge details, and suspension options were tested with the design team. “We conducted the demo about six months before the actual installation. It gave us a chance to support the designers with hands-on insights and ensure the solutions worked in practice,” Loiri adds.
Construction was carried out using a takt production model, which increases efficiency but demands strict scheduling and close collaboration between stakeholders. The installation of Rockfon products was managed by Sisärakenne Isomäki Oy. “This was an exceptionally large and visible project for a company of our size,” says Jussi Latvala, Site Manager and Project Lead at Sisärakenne Isomäki Oy. “The takt model imposed tight schedules that had to be followed. Fortunately, collaboration was smooth. The architects listened to contractor suggestions, which made it possible to work faster and more efficiently without compromising quality.”
A new chapter for Helsinki’s waterfront
Awarded LEED Platinum and celebrated with a suite of design awards, Katajanokan Laituri has gained recognition for both its use of timber and its interiors. Its acoustic solutions bring a sense of calm to its expansive spaces, showing that acoustic comfort belongs alongside lighting and material in the language of architecture. As a timber landmark on Helsinki’s waterfront, the project extends the city’s architectural legacy while opening a new chapter in public life.
