National Museum of Finland Extension Receives Honourable Mention in Steel Structure of the Year 2026
The National Museum of Finland extension and the glass roof over the historic Halkopiha courtyard, now known as Lasipiha (Glass Courtyard), designed by JKMM Architects, have received an Honourable Mention in the Finnish Steel Structure of the Year 2026 competition. The jury praised the project’s sculptural architecture, made possible by innovative steel structures, and its sensitive integration into the historic museum setting. The awards were announced at Steel Structure Day in Helsinki on 11 November 2026.
The extension’s most distinctive feature is its 43-metre-wide bowl-shaped roof, supported by 12 radial cantilevered steel trusses. The new glass roof over Lasipiha, formerly known as Halkopiha, is another example of technically demanding steel construction. The jury recognised the project for its exceptional architectural quality and the way its steel structures bring together architectural ambition, heritage conservation and functionality.
The Steel Structure of the Year 2026 award was presented to Helsinki’s Kruunuvuori Bridge. The jury recognised the bridge as an outstanding example of steel construction, combining demanding structural engineering, architecture and a significant role in Helsinki’s urban development.
The independent jury was chaired by architect Asmo Jaaksi, a founding partner of JKMM Architects. Jaaksi recused himself from the jury’s decision-making concerning the National Museum of Finland extension.
Jury members:
- Asmo Jaaksi (SAFA, JKMM Architects), Chair
- Tommi Luukkonen (RIA)
- Pekka Talaskivi (RIL)
- Tapio Kivistö (Rakennuslehti)
- Merja Walkeajärvi (A-Insinöörit / Board of the Finnish Constructional Steelwork Association)
- Juuso Pajukko (SAFA)
- Timo Koivisto (Finnish Constructional Steelwork Association), Secretary
Steel Structure of the Year 2026 – Kruunuvuori Bridge
- Client: City of Helsinki, Urban Environment Division
- Architectural and principal design: WSP Finland Oy and Knight Architects
- Main contractor: TYL Kruunusillat (Kreate Oy and YIT Infra Oy)
- Steel structure fabrication and detailed engineering: Ramboll Finland Oy
- Steel structures: Nordec Oy
Honourable Mention – National Museum of Finland Extension and Halkopiha Courtyard Roof
- Client and developer: Senate Properties
- Architectural design: JKMM Architects
- Structural engineering: Ramboll Finland Oy
- Main contractor, extension: SRV
- Main contractor, Halkopiha courtyard roof: NCC
- Steel structures: Teräselementti Oy and Ltd “STARS MET”
Congratulations to both award-winning projects and everyone involved in their design and construction!
Discover more about the National Museum of Finland extension designed by JKMM Architects: National Museum of Finland – JKMM Architects