Pohjoisesplanadi 37 Wins the Finnish Steel Structure Award 2025
Jardin, an all-year-round public courtyard open to everyone, was created as part of the restoration of a 180-year-old landmark building in central Helsinki. Designed by JKMM Architects, the transformation – featuring an organically curved glass roof supported by slender steel structures – has earned Pohjoisesplanadi 37 the Finnish Steel Structure Award 2025, turning a former parking area into an inviting, lively urban space in the heart of the city.
Owned by Keva, Pohjoisesplanadi 37 is part of the nationally significant Esplanadi–Bulevardi area, recognised by the Finnish Heritage Agency. The new Jardin courtyard, located within the historic Gaselli block, opened to the public in summer 2025. Its glass canopy, supported by four sculptural steel lattice columns, provides a light, elegant counterpoint to the building’s robust stone walls while beautifully revealing the layers of history embedded in the site.
The award jury, chaired by architect Tuomas Kivinen (SAFA), praised the project’s inventive steel-structure solutions and its combination of aesthetic and technical excellence. According to Kivinen, the new structure “adds a valuable contemporary layer to the historic building, enhancing both functionality and beauty while creating a strong organic contrast with the old architecture.”
The project was realised in close collaboration between Keva, JKMM Architects, Ramboll Finland Oy, Rakennustoimisto O. Hämäläinen Oy, and Teräselementti Oy. Congratulations to the winning team, and warm congratulations also to Hartaansilta Bridge in Oulu, which received an honourable mention, along with its project team: City of Oulu, Ylitys Oy, Maanlumo Oy, Pontek Oy, YIT Infra Oy and Steel Group Pohjanmaa Oy.
Find out more about the project here.