Imperium in the Gaselli block

Imperium as part of the architecture of the Gaselli block

A project has been completed in the historic center of Helsinki that brings modern urban architecture to life in a new way. The glass roof of the Gaselli block on the Northern Esplanade rises above monumental metal trees and almost fourteen-meter-high structures, a collaboration between JKMM Architects and Teräselement. The whole feels futuristic and organic at the same time. As if the forms of nature had slowly grown from steel and light.

When daylight moves through the glass structure, the whole atmosphere changes. In the morning, the surfaces appear soft and almost hazy. In the evening, the steel structures take on a warm golden glow and create an elegant and peaceful atmosphere in the middle of the city's movement. Every perspective offers a new experience.

The project has been described as a unique entity in Finland. The structure consists of individually manufactured steel tubes, specially developed glass solutions and complex geometric shapes that were designed specifically for this courtyard. According to the steel element, several technical fastening solutions were also developed for the project from the very beginning.

Deco Paint Finland is honored that OIKOS Imperium was chosen and implemented as the metallic finish for this exceptional project.

Historical building in new use

The Gaselli block is located in a historic commercial and office building at Pohjoisesplanadi 37. The building's roots date back to the 19th century. Over the decades, the building has undergone several changes. In the latest renovation, JKMM developed the complex, preserving its historical values ​​and opening up the spaces to the city's residents in a new way. The previously closed and rarely used courtyard has been transformed into an open, bright and experiential space with the help of a glass roof and impressive steel structures. The goal was to combine the old building stock and modern architecture in a way that enriches the cityscape of central Helsinki.

Imperium, light, movement and emotion in the form of material

Claudio Balestri, founder and long-time president of OIKOS, is known as a pioneer in ecological surface materials and sustainable architecture in Italy. He founded OIKOS in 1984 with the aim of developing interior and surface materials that combine aesthetics, innovation and environmental responsibility.

Imperium was created to bring architecture and atmosphere together. The product gives the surface a living depth. The reflections, structure and light constantly change throughout the day. The end result feels refined, harmonious and at the same time very natural.

In Balestri's thinking, color is strongly linked to the human experience of space and architecture. According to him, surfaces affect the atmosphere, identity and experience of the environment. The same philosophy is also clearly visible in the Gaselli quarter. Imperium functions as part of the architecture itself and reinforces the feeling of mobility, lightness and luxury.

The metal trees act as load-bearing structures and at the same time as part of the architectural appearance of the courtyard. They bring rhythm and continuity to the space. The light is softly reflected in the steel shapes and emphasizes the sculptural nature of the structures.

The vision of the Gaselli block was to bring new life to the center of Helsinki and transform the previously closed courtyard into a lively meeting place. The space has been filled with restaurants, people, light and architectural experiences. JKMM was inspired by the forms of nature and the idea of ​​a green urban oasis in the middle of the city.

The technical level of the project required very high performance from the materials and surface treatments. Every detail had to work both aesthetically and from a safety perspective.

JKMM carried out extensive fire tests to ensure that the chosen surface treatment met the project's requirements. Imperium was the only paint that passed the certification and was approved for use in the structure.

That says a lot about the level of today's most demanding architectural projects. Aesthetics must work together with technology, durability and safety.

A new generation of architecture in Finland

The Gaselli block shows what future architecture can become when visionary architects, advanced engineering and innovative surface materials come together.

The new Jardin courtyard opened to the public in the summer of 2025, bringing a new urban space open to everyone to the heart of the historic Gaselli block.

Steelelementti describes the project as one of the most demanding and unique implementations in Finland. The structures were manufactured in sections in Lempäälä and then transported to Helsinki, where the elements were lifted onto the building at night.

In projects like this, color takes on a whole new meaning. The surface acts as part of the overall experience and helps the architecture come to life.

Imperium became part of the project’s identity.

When architecture changes the atmosphere of a place

During our visit to the Gaselli quarter, it became clear how strongly materials and light affect the experience of space. From ground level, the steel structures seem to almost float under the glass ceiling. Up close, the metallic depth of the Imperium comes into sharper focus. The surfaces alternate between soft golden tones and silky reflections depending on the direction of the light.

People now gather under the structure to have dinner, drink coffee or just experience the atmosphere of the place. The project has already become a new meeting place in the center of Helsinki.

This is where the strength of the project is most clearly seen. Architecture can create emotions. Materials can change the energy and rhythm of a space. Carefully designed surfaces affect how people experience their environment.

Read more about the project

If you want to know more about this amazing project, check out Rakennuslehti article, Teräselement blog and Instagrampost.

Imperium is available in Deco Paint Finland online store. The product is suitable for projects that emphasize a striking metallic surface and high-quality finish.

The project has attracted widespread interest in the Finnish architecture and construction industry. Read more:

• Construction magazine: article Gaselli block list
• Steel element: project presentation
• Steel element Instagram
• Imperium Deco Paint Finland