Meander Wins Prestigious Architizer A+Award

Steven Holl’s Meander has won the prestigious Architizer A+Award in the Sustainable Multi-Unit Residential Building category. The collaboration between Newil&Bau and our partners shows that modern urban living can be elegant, responsible, and human-centered all at once.

Meander is, without a doubt, one of our dearest projects. It has been a bold, multifaceted, and uncompromising effort—reshaping the landscape of Helsinki’s Taka-Töölö district and redefining the very idea of contemporary housing. Now, the project is gaining well-deserved international recognition. Meander has been selected as the winner in a category that highlights architectural and sustainable excellence from around the world.

The Courage to Build Sustainably

Creating a new era of urban living takes courage. Helsinki is growing and changing faster than ever, and one of the key challenges of urbanization is sustainability: how do we build a denser city that supports sustainable mobility, preserves local greenery, adapts to climate change, and meets the needs of everyday life?

As emissions from energy use and transportation decrease thanks to electrification and more efficient buildings, the environmental impact of construction becomes more central. These can be reduced by choosing low-emission materials, making use of existing infrastructure, and improving spatial efficiency. Meander is a concrete response to these challenges. It proves that ecology, aesthetics, and quality of life can go hand in hand.

The building is a 180-meter-long sculptural landmark combining load-bearing concrete walls, expansive glass surfaces, and responsibly sourced Finnish spruce. Natural light floods in through floor-to-ceiling windows. Its energy solutions—geothermal heating, a green roof, and solar panels—support self-sufficiency and reduce the building’s carbon footprint. Holl’s design extends all the way to the smallest details: door handles, handwoven rugs, mouth-blown glass fixtures, and wooden seating. Beauty is thoughtfully woven into everyday life. Residents enjoy access to a sauna, yoga studio, wine cellar, lounge, and a 12-seat cinema—shared spaces that foster wellbeing and a strong sense of community.

International Recognition for Finnish Responsibility

 

The Architizer A+Awards are among the most visible and respected architecture competitions in the world. They celebrate buildings that successfully unite functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. The Sustainable Multi-Unit Residential Building category emphasizes energy efficiency, ecological materials, and the wellbeing of residents—values that Meander embodies at its core.

Meander’s win is a significant recognition of Finnish design and development. It shows that urban living—when guided by a strong vision and carried out responsibly—resonates far beyond our borders. For us at Newil&Bau, Meander is a testament to how visionary thinking, world-class design, and responsible execution can create something truly exceptional—something that not only meets today’s expectations, but helps define new ones.