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Sustainable design and smart control in urban offices

The image shows a spacious interior lobby with a contemporary design dominated by light wood. At the centre hangs a large circular structure made of vertical slats, creating a sculptural effect beneath a skylight, while a round table sits below in an open, bright space.
Case study
Finland

Sustainable design and smart control in urban offices

Timber structure, integrated photovoltaics, and intelligent control: Stora Enso’s new headquarters in Helsinki combines advanced sustainable solutions within a demanding urban environment.

Editorial Team

Stora Enso’s new office building in Helsinki stands out for its comprehensive energy strategy, combining passive design, renewable systems, and intelligent control. The building envelope, constructed entirely from laminated wood (LVL and CLT), not only reduces embodied carbon but also improves thermal performance and airtightness, with a controlled infiltration value.

Regarding active systems, the building incorporates a 110 kW heat pump for energy recovery, covering heating and cooling, and a 50.31 kWp photovoltaic installation that generates renewable electricity on-site. Ventilation is provided through a high-efficiency heat recovery system, and natural lighting is maximised thanks to a glazed envelope with technical timber joinery.

Total energy consumption is 80 kWhpe/m²·year, with a balanced distribution across heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, and domestic hot water. In addition, the building features an intelligent energy management system that automatically adjusts consumption according to occupancy and external conditions, optimising performance without compromising comfort.

Key figures:

  • Building condition: New construction
  • Building type: Office building < 28m
  • Delivery year: 2024
  • Primary energy consumption: 80 kWhpe/m²·year
  • Energy performance certificate rating: B
  • Renewables: Solar photovoltaics
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