Insights
Civil Defense Shelters in Finland – The “Building Within a Building”
Many international developers have heard that Finland requires “bunkers,” but few realize the technical complexity involved. A Finnish Civil Defense Shelter (VSS) is not just a room; it is a specialized, blast-hardened facility with its own independent life-support systems. Here is what is actually required under the Rescue Act (379/2011).
Read moreThe Localization Checklist – Navigating the 2026 Regulatory Environment
Navigating Finnish construction laws requires a clear roadmap. From mandatory civil defense shelters to new BIM data requirements, this checklist ensures your international project meets every legal milestone under the Rescue Act and the new Building Act.
The Localization Checklist – Navigating the 2026 Regulatory EnvironmentPasilan Konepaja project listed into Finnish Architecture Portal
Day of Alvar & Aino Aalto, and Finnish Architecture and Design is celebrated annually on February 3rd. This year the Information Center for Finnish Architecture has published an online portal displaying a curated selection of Finnish Architecture projects. We were proud to find that our Pasilan Konepaja project has been selected among these. Pasilan Konepaja […]
Pasilan Konepaja project listed into Finnish Architecture PortalHeading to Business Arena Finland
Excited to announce that Laitila Architects will be participating in Business Arena Finland 2026 next week for the very first time!
Heading to Business Arena FinlandComprehensive Permitting Leadership
Success in data center development depends on masterful permitting and the ability to anticipate regulatory demands. This case study showcases our experience in a large-scale international investment project in the role of Permitting Team Lead. We explore our work in localization, permitting, and stakeholder engagement.
Comprehensive Permitting LeadershipTechnical Divergences – Finland vs. The World
Why are Finnish technical standards so unique? We compare global norms against Finnish national decrees, covering everything from U-values and DryChain10 moisture protocols to the now-mandatory Climate Reports for 2026.
Technical Divergences – Finland vs. The WorldBIM and the New Finnish Building Act: Protect Your Confidentiality in Digital Permitting
The upcoming mandatory BIM-based permitting under the Finnish Building Act (751/2023) introduces a new era of digital transparency. However, it also creates a complex intersection between the obligation to provide machine-readable data and the protection of private trade secrets. In this blog, we examine the technical and legal requirements of this transition and the importance of localized data management in preserving intellectual property.
BIM and the New Finnish Building Act: Protect Your Confidentiality in Digital PermittingWhy International Plans Fail in Finland – the Physics of the North
Global designs often hit a “regulatory wall” in Finland. From the 2026 Building Act to sub-arctic climate demands, “standard” plans require deep adaptation. We explore why involving a Finnish Principal Designer and understanding of local building physics are vital for a successful project.
Why International Plans Fail in Finland – the Physics of the NorthCase Study: Lapland Glow Chalets – Arctic Luxury in Rovaniemi
Lapland Glow Chalets combines closeness to nature, Arctic light, and minimalist luxury. A small number of carefully planned units, innovative lighting, and attention to spatial layout create an unforgettable experience where modern comfort and the beauty of nature meet.
Case Study: Lapland Glow Chalets – Arctic Luxury in RovaniemiNew student apartments in the centre of Kotka
The student housing project we planned for the center of Kotka, “the Cabin”, has been completed. With the relocation of campus for University of Applied Science for South-Eastern Finland to Kotkansaari, the location of the old student apartments became difficult, so there are now 84 new apartments built for students at the intersection of Koulukatu and Rautatienkatu streets.
New student apartments in the centre of KotkaShopping center Pasaati: versatile and long-term design work
Shopping center Pasaati in the center of Kotka has been serving its customers for almost 20 years. We continue to act as the design partner of the shopping center and ensure that the facilities adapt to the changing needs of stores and customers.
Shopping center Pasaati: versatile and long-term design workUser-centric Concept Design supports investment in the renewal of business premises.
Over the decades, our customer’s premises have undergone a major transformation from a slaughterhouse to office space. Despite several renovations, the premises no longer serve the needs of its users and the changing working life. Our user-oriented study project provided design guides and budget calculations for three different design options.
User-centric Concept Design supports investment in the renewal of business premises.Laitila Architects helps Hyphen localise their designs for Finnish environment
Our localisation services helped global architecture firm Hyphen provide their American client with designs that suit the Finnish climate and comply with local legislation.
Laitila Architects helps Hyphen localise their designs for Finnish environmentKotkan Seurahuone selected as the best concept hotel in Northern Europe
The international World Luxury Hotel Awards gives awards to high-quality hotels that offer an excellent setting and level of service to their guests. The winners will be selected based on the vote of the hotel guests. Guests voted Kotkan Seurahuone as the best Northern European concept hotel of 2022.
Kotkan Seurahuone selected as the best concept hotel in Northern EuropeThe upgrades of Original Sokos Hotels in Kotka and Kouvola were carried out with customer experience and adaptability in mind.
We have planned several expansion and renovation projects in the hotel and restaurant facilities of Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna in Kouvola and Original Sokos Hotel Seurahuone in Kotka. At the same time, we have gained an understanding of the special characteristics of hotel projects.
The upgrades of Original Sokos Hotels in Kotka and Kouvola were carried out with customer experience and adaptability in mind.Manu Humppi: “The new generation of hikers appreciates a new kind of approach to the design of wilderness huts”
For the love of hiking Camping has grown in popularity in recent years. The increased popularity has also increased interest in wilderness huts and other hiking structures. As a passionate wilderness enthusiast, I have been lucky to have been able to design accommodation facilities used by hikers. My interest in hiking structures dates to my […]
Manu Humppi: “The new generation of hikers appreciates a new kind of approach to the design of wilderness huts”Pasilan Konepaja: a new lease of life for an old industrial site
The old train factory area in Pasila, Helsinki, has undergone a big change, from a bustling industrial district to an up-and-coming centre for social life. We have had the pleasure of being a part of this renovation effort that will see the historical Train Factory area transformed into something new.
Pasilan Konepaja: a new lease of life for an old industrial site