Helsinki Design Week 2026: 12 Uplifting Finnish Design Projects
The 2026 Helsinki Design Week showcased 12 innovative design projects that highlighted the integration of design in Finland. Architect Pekka Airaxin introduced Kainuu, which focuses on constructing summer houses using locally sourced cross-laminated timber, with ten already completed and an additional 20 in the pipeline. Studio Joanna Laajisto created a temporary events venue for the upcoming Architecture & Design Museum, achieving an impressive 99% material reuse. Celebrating his 90th birthday, architect Juhanni Pallasmaa donated his extensive collection of 10,000 books to the museum, with 10% on display. After renovations by design studio Fyra, Hotel Kämp, established in 1887, reopened its doors. Additionally, the Espoo Museum of Modern Art launched Villa Weckström for public tours, while fashion designer Ervin Latimer partnered with Finarte to produce rugs. Emerging talents included Waltter Mahlberg, Iina Kettunen, and Carlo Raymann, and Elementic presented MO6, a carbon-negative tile.
Key facts
- Helsinki Design Week took place in September 2026.
- Architect Pekka Airaxin launched Kainuu, a company making summer houses from cross-laminated timber.
- Kainuu has delivered ten houses and has 20 in the pipeline.
- Studio Joanna Laajisto designed a temporary space for the Architecture & Design Museum, achieving 99% reuse.
- Juhanni Pallasmaa bequeathed his 10,000-book collection to the Architecture & Design Museum.
- Hotel Kämp, built in 1887, reopened after refurbishment with new bedrooms by Fyra.
- Espoo Museum of Modern Art opened Villa Weckström for guided tours.
- Ervin Latimer collaborated with Finarte on three hand-knotted rugs.
- Minestrone Workshop built a pavilion using three tree trunks to create 566 cubic metres of space.
- Elementic unveiled MO6, a carbon-negative tile made from lignin.
Entities
Artists
- Pekka Airaxin
- Joanna Laajisto
- Juhanni Pallasmaa
- Björn Weckström
- Marja-Liisa Weckström
- Ervin Latimer
- Waltter Mahlberg
- Iina Kettunen
- Carlo Raymann
- Teppo Lakaniemi
- Kia Arpia
- Hugo Macdonald
- Rosa Bertoli
- Ilse Crawford
- Kari Korkman
- Jan van Dijs
- Rebekka Bay
- Päivi Helander
- Petri Burtsoff
- Alvar Aalto
- Aino Aalto
- Arno Rafael Minkkinen
- Matti Suuronen
- Vibeke Rohland
- Evert Lagerspetz
- Armas Siitonen
- Matias Pietarinen
- Elmo Luoma-Aho
- Sami Tallberg
Institutions
- Kainuu
- Studio Joanna Laajisto
- JKMM
- Architecture & Design Museum
- Hotel Kämp
- Fyra
- Espoo Museum of Modern Art
- Finarte
- Latimmier
- Aalto University
- Habitare
- Minestrone Workshop
- Sistem
- Niimaar
- Aisti Oy
- Elementic
- Tebian
- Artek
- Wallpaper*
- Monocle
- Studioilse
- MIART
- Harewood House Biennial
- Airbnb
- Vitra
- Ikea
- Erdem
- The Goldsmith's Company
- City of Helsinki Economic Development Division
- Culture Department
- Kulttuurisauna
- Helsinki Design Week
- City of Helsinki
- Marimekko
- Hydro
- Iittala
- Hakola
- Arkken
- 3 Days of Design
- Architecture & Design Museum Helsinki
- Waldorf Astoria Helsinki
- Heij
- HDW Lab
- Peacock Bar
- Varjo
- Galerie Magazine
Locations
- Helsinki
- Finland
- Espoo
- Salo
- Siikajoki Valley
- West Africa
- West Central Africa
- Edinburgh
- Scotland
- Milan
- Italy
- Aleksanterinkatu
- Copenhagen
- Denmark
- Eiranpuisto
- Flower Park
- South Harbor
- Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden
- Kruununhaka