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A modern timber entrance at Korkeasaari Zoo
A nature-integrated gateway at Korkeasaari Zoo, combining mass timber architecture, ecological design, and safe public access.
The new entrance building at Korkeasaari Zoo establishes a welcoming and architecturally distinctive gateway, designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding island landscape. Defined by its elongated form and natural material palette, the building combines ecological responsibility, modern mass timber construction, and high-capacity public functionality. Opened in December 2025, the facility enhances accessibility and visitor experience while reinforcing Korkeasaari’s commitment to sustainability and nature-aligned design.
Project Facts
- Type of Building:
Public Assembly Building (visitor centre) - Fire protection class:
B-s1,d0 - Location:
Helsinki, Finland - Fire protected:
Interior mass timber structures and wooden ceiling elements
Where architecture and landscape converge
The building’s distinctive narrow and elongated geometry responds directly to the site's bedrock conditions and natural terrain. Rather than imposing a conventional form, the architecture adapts to the landscape, creating a seamless transition between built form and nature. Mass timber structures and wooden façades establish a strong material connection to the surrounding forest environment. Sculptural timber ceiling elements define the interior spatial experience, enhancing acoustics, visual rhythm, and orientation throughout the visitor journey.
A green roof further integrates the building into its environment, improving ecological performance while allowing the structure to visually blend into the island landscape.
Enabling visible mass timber in demanding public environments
The project demonstrates how advanced fire protection enables the safe and compliant use of visible mass timber in high-occupancy public buildings under the stringent requirements of B-class. Interior timber structures retain their natural appearance while achieving the necessary fire performance, allowing architects to preserve the authenticity and warmth of wood without compromising safety, compliance, or design intent. This approach supports architectural freedom, enabling mass timber to function as both structural and experiential material.
Sustainable infrastructure to enhance the visitor experience
Sustainability was a central principle guiding both design and construction. Mass timber significantly reduces embodied carbon, while ecological solutions such as the green roof reinforce environmental integration. Visible interior timber surfaces were treated with NORFLAM W310 (NT Deco) flame retardant, enabling the use of exposed wood in a high-occupancy public environment while meeting stringent fire safety requirements and preserving the natural appearance of the material.
The new entrance improves operational efficiency and accessibility, supporting high visitor volumes while maintaining a welcoming, human-scale architectural experience.
The Korkeasaari Zoo entrance building exemplifies how mass timber architecture can create sustainable, expressive, and safe public spaces. By enabling visible timber surfaces within the highest fire safety classification, the project demonstrates how bio-based fire protection supports both architectural ambition and regulatory compliance.
"I believe that building with CLT and mass timber represents a truly modern approach to construction. With half a million visitors passing through annually, it is essential to ensure reliable fire protection while preserving the natural character of wood."
– Joonas Pursiainen
Chief Real Estate Officer, Korkeasaari Zoo
