A Soaring Atrium for "Lady Kaisa"

Curved balconies meet quiet interiors

Located on the site of a former department store in Helsinki’s city centre, the Kaisa House library is a visual and acoustic landmark. Designed by Anttinen Oiva Architects, the largest academic library in Finland uses Rockfon Mono Acoustic to achieve the smooth curves of its oval atrium and acoustic ceiling tiles behind mesh ceilings to improve comfort and reduce reverberation for students and researchers.

A new heart for Helsinki’s academic life

When the University of Helsinki set out to build a new central library, the goal was to unify several faculties in a shared, modern facility. Kaisa House now serves arts, education, law, theology and social sciences, and has become Finland’s largest academic library. The building replaces a former department store with a contemporary design that quickly became a public and critical favourite.

At the heart of the design is an oval atrium that rises through the centre of the building. This sculptural space harmonises with the strong curved openings carved into the façade. White balconies float around the atrium like concentric cloud rings, reinforcing the architectural rhythm while opening the building to daylight and upward views.

The atrium is not only a visual anchor – it also shapes the acoustic strategy. To create a continuous surface that would also support speech clarity and comfort, Anttinen Oiva Architects specified Rockfon Mono Acoustic. The ceilings throughout the rest of the library also contribute to the environment. In these areas, Rockfon acoustic ceiling tiles were installed behind stretch-metal mesh.

Since opening in 2012, the building – affectionately known as “Lady Kaisa” – has earned wide acclaim, including the Finnish critics’ association’s annual architecture award. Through form and acoustic comfort, the library supports focused study while showcasing how architectural elements can serve a functional role in high-traffic common areas.