The new Scandic Grand Central became one of Finland’s biggest and most unique hotels in Finland, upon its completion in early 2021. The Helsinki Central Railway Station, which was designed by Eliel Saarinen and completed in 1909, is one of the most prestigious and protected historical buildings in Finland. Designing an extension for such a landmark was a compelling challenge.

Futudesign’s concept stays true to the original architecture of the railway station and blurs the boundaries of historic and contemporary architecture to create a stylistic symbiosis.
Many design details are inspired by Eliel Saarinen’s original plans and applied to modern features such as street level and top floor arch windows. The wall materials imitate the Railway Station’s facade with a mix of concrete and red granite to add to the building’s grand appearance.

One important architectural decision was to keep the height of the floors in the new building at 4.5 meters, the same as in the old administrative building. In addition to accessibility, the solution offers a higher room height than a standard hotel, giving the rooms a wonderful feeling of spaciousness. Space is further emphasized with floor-to-ceiling windows, which ensure an unparalleled view of the beautiful courtyard, and of Kaisaniemi park, which surrounds the hotel.

Keeping the high floors did not mean having to compromise on the number of rooms, as more rooms could be added to the quiet courtyard side by curving the facade.

The verdant garden courtyard with its restaurant and covered terrace will surely become Helsinki’s newest and most elegant hot spot.