The Rakentamisen Ruusu (‘Rose of Construction’) award is granted for an exemplary contribution to the purposes of building control that has promoted the creation of good living environments and environmentally, financially, socially and culturally sustainable development. The winners were selected by the Environment and Permits Sub-committee of the Urban Environment Committee, while the public’s favourite was selected by residents through an online vote. The winners were announced on 22 January 2026.
Covering the courtyard of Pohjoisesplanadi 37 brought new space for residents
The courtyard, enclosed by a glass roof supported by slender steel structures, is an experience and a departure from the norm. The cold asphalted courtyard previously used for parking has now been covered, and the uncompromising design has led to an innovative and unique result inspired by natural forms. The design of the building won the Rakentamisen Ruusu award for:
- Asmo Jaaksi, principal designer, JKMM Architects Ltd
- Teemu Toivio, structural designer, JKMM Architects Ltd
- Ilkka Mikkola, principal designer of steel structures, Ramboll Finland Oy
- Pauli Wetterstrand, senior structural designer, Sustera Oy
In its selection, the sub-committee emphasised opening up new, interesting spaces for residents, as well as measures to encourage encounters between people and fostering community spirit. The Pohjoisesplanadi 37 project ambitiously set out to create a new urban space with a distinctive, beautiful courtyard structure that respects its surroundings, and by opening new business premises in the basement of the old building. Skilfully designed to fit in with its valuable cultural and historic environment without interfering with the surrounding buildings, the solution is an excellent example of how to bring more business premises to the city while preserving the existing historic building stock.
“The development project added another chapter to the story of the historic building. Developing an existing asset in a central location is the most responsible way to build. It has been extremely inspiring to be involved in enhancing the vitality of Helsinki’s city centre by building new experiential urban space and culture,” comments Principal Designer Asmo Jaaksi from JKMM Architects.
In addition to the Rakentamisen Ruusu award, Pohjoisesplanadi 37 also won the 2025 award for steel structure of the year.
Honourable mention for the Helsinki Rescue Department’s structural fire safety specialists
The sub-committee commends the Helsinki Rescue Department with an honourable mention for its vital work. This work is largely invisible when done well. Good fire safety and risk and damage prevention do not just happen by themselves – they are the result of an enormous amount of specialist work that allows us to spend our days and sleep our nights safely.
The honourable mention was given to the following structural fire safety specialists:
- Arto Sydänhelmi, fire safety inspector specialist, Helsinki Rescue Department
- Esko Rantanen, senior fire safety inspector (resigned from active duty), Helsinki Rescue Department
- Katja Seppälä, senior fire safety inspector specialist, Helsinki Rescue Department
- Henri Nummelin, fire safety inspector specialist, Helsinki Rescue Department
- Pulmu Waitinen, fire safety inspector specialist, Helsinki Rescue Department
- Sampsa Oksanen, senior fire safety inspector, Helsinki Rescue Department
- Kimmo Kartano, rescue service specialist, Helsinki Rescue Department
The Rescue Department has been supporting Building Control Services to ensure the fire safety of buildings. This cooperation has also increased the expertise of Building Control Services’ staff. The cooperation is important, as Building Control Services and the Rescue Department look at fire safety from different perspectives.
The Rescue Department is often involved in construction projects even before Building Control Services. Its specialists have the knowledge and skills to ensure the success of rescue operations in practice. They examine aspects such as attack routes and equipment and serve as civil defence shelter officers. The Rescue Department has also been involved in the development of common practices for construction, which has a direct impact on the quality and safety of design work.
The renovation of a historic villa in Laajasalo was selected as the favourite of Helsinki residents
For the first time ever, Helsinki residents were given an opportunity to vote for their own favourite among the candidates in the Rakentamisen Ruusu award process. The protected wooden villa in Tullisaari is privately owned. Many of Helsinki’s wooden villas have been destroyed over the course of history, and some of the existing ones have deteriorated far from their original splendour. For cherishing the city’s historic heritage, residents granted their award to:
- Nanette Borgström, villa owner
- Juulia Mikkola, architectural designer, Livady Oy
- Kimmo Lehtola, site supervisor, Arkkitehtitoimisto Kimmo Lehtola
- Tuomo Rinne, contractor, Entisöinti Rinne
Residents were given an opportunity to justify their choice when voting. Their justifications highlighted appreciation for historic construction: “These buildings cannot be replaced; they can be repaired.”
The restoration of the villa has been carried out with care and expertise, using traditional methods. The villa’s original room layout has been restored, and door and window openings have been reintroduced. The interior surfaces and finishes have been conserved and overhauled to match their original appearance. The interior was completed in autumn 2025, but the restoration of the villa’s facades will continue until 2027.
You can learn more about these locations between 4 and 20 February 2026 in the Rakentamisen Ruusu exhibition held in the lobby of the Urban Environment Building at Työpajankatu 8.
