Wood Magazine 3/2023

Temperatures are hitting all-time highs across the globe, and the news is filled with imagery of the most dramatic fires… Temperatures are hitting all-time highs across the globe, and the news is filled with imagery of the most dramatic fires in history. Hurricanes pack a heavier punch than ever before, knocking the wind out of all of us. Torrential rains flash-flood cities and leave displaced people in their wake. We could all use a break …

Aalto University-spinout startup VacuumWood.tech has successfully completed its first industrially manufactured airtight… Aalto University-spinout startup VacuumWood.tech has successfully completed its first industrially manufactured airtight wooden plane element in collaboration with VVR Wood Oy and Wiiste Oy. The developed tight element solution allows vacuum drying of the element as the first technology in the world. Due to this property, the element can be efficiently dried on-site without dismantling …

Last spring, Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) received significant funding for its HYBRITUT research project o… Last spring, Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) received significant funding for its HYBRITUT research project on low-carbon hybrid construction. The project’s partners include Portugal’s University of Coimbra and several leading companies in Finnish hybrid construction, and its goals are to promote low-carbon hybrid construction, build an ecosystem for hybrid structures, and increase inte

ThermoWood-CLT grid structure construction is the first modern leisure apartment in Ähtäri. The project takes a novel ap… ThermoWood-CLT grid structure construction is the first modern leisure apartment in Ähtäri. The project takes a novel approach to wood construction by using an advanced construction material to streamline construction. As a new innovation, heat-treated ThermoWood has been factory- installed directly onto the exterior surface of CLT boards. The ThermoWood serves as exterior cladding and …

GUEST COLUMN As I write this column, four billion people are city dwellers. This represents over half of the world’s pop… GUEST COLUMN As I write this column, four billion people are city dwellers. This represents over half of the world’s population, almost 70% of which is projected to live in urban areas by 2050. The climate change that we have already witnessed in the weather across the world in summer 2023 will strengthen the pull …

Monio is a new multipurpose building that is being constructed in the former garrison area in the centre of Tuusula’s Hy… Monio is a new multipurpose building that is being constructed in the former garrison area in the centre of Tuusula’s Hyrylä district. Read the article in Finnish here. The building houses an upper secondary school and cultural centre and represents a multipurpose building concept that collects several public services under one roof. This way, they all …

Located on the Kumpula campus, the building is at the heart of university-level instruction in rigorous natural sciences… Located on the Kumpula campus, the building is at the heart of university-level instruction in rigorous natural sciences. The new upper secondary school and its courtyard merge seamlessly into the campus and are integrated into campus activities. Read the article in Finnish here. Sitting on the crest of a high hill, the new five-storey wooden building …

Kotka’s new Event Centre Satama Arena is in Kantasatama harbour on the outskirts of the city centre. The harbour w… Kotka’s new Event Centre Satama Arena is in Kantasatama harbour on the outskirts of the city centre. The harbour was built 150 years ago to serve the wood processing industry, and the event centre’s bold yet understated architecture pays homage to the tall wooden ships and sails of that era while making a nod to …

The project of two wooden apartment buildings was completed at Hyljetie 3 in Espoo. The two 5-story buildings have a tot… The project of two wooden apartment buildings was completed at Hyljetie 3 in Espoo. The two 5-story buildings have a total of 72 apartments. Read the article in Finnish here. The complex consists of two five-storey apartment buildings and their outdoor storage units. Constructed from wooden volumetric elements around central stairwells, the masses and shapes of …

Haagan Artturi is an energy-efficient small apartment building in Helsinki’s Haaga district. It is based on a concept de… Haagan Artturi is an energy-efficient small apartment building in Helsinki’s Haaga district. It is based on a concept developed by Woodberg Oy in 2016 and designed to fit into the often peculiar shapes and sizes of infill construction plots. Read the article in Finnish here. The concept finally saw daylight here on Artturi Kanniston tie street, …

When it comes to interior design trends, Finland’s Asuntomessut (Housing Fair) is the highpoint of the year. Organised a… When it comes to interior design trends, Finland’s Asuntomessut (Housing Fair) is the highpoint of the year. Organised amidst the gorgeous scenery on the eastern shore of Loviisanlahti Bay, this year’s fair was held in the Kuningattarenranta district and featured the sea. Many fair visitors came to see the home interior design solutions and interior …

The term Eurocodes refers to a set of European standards on load-bearing structures. Currently consisting of 58 parts, t… The term Eurocodes refers to a set of European standards on load-bearing structures. Currently consisting of 58 parts, the Eurocodes define how these structures must be designed starting from general principles to loads and specific details. When used together with execution and product standards, the Eurocodes form a unified framework for the design and construction …

The carbon efficiency of a construction project can be significantly improved by automating structural design in appropr… The carbon efficiency of a construction project can be significantly improved by automating structural design in appropriate stages of the project. A new online tool, Floor Design, can help builders do just this while helping them understand the potential of wood construction. Many people don’t even realise that it’s possible to automate the design of …

The timber industry is experiencing a welcomed shift towards the use of timber in multi-rise residential and office buil… The timber industry is experiencing a welcomed shift towards the use of timber in multi-rise residential and office buildings. The sector is rethinking their processes, updating their knowledge base, and revising supply chains for the implementation of timber construction in their standard portfolio, at scales not seen before. The timber industry has already demonstrated its …

Compared to many other industries, construction uses significant amounts of raw materials. As much as half of the world&… Compared to many other industries, construction uses significant amounts of raw materials. As much as half of the world’s various natural resources and raw materials go into construction and the manufacture of construction products. With the fast pace of building in recent decades, materials such as concrete aggregate have become scarce commodities in several countries …

When exploring funding options for wood construction projects, it worth taking a look at sustainable financing instrumen… When exploring funding options for wood construction projects, it worth taking a look at sustainable financing instruments. Wood construction can reduce construction emissions and increase carbon handprints, and these are positive factors when applying for construction project financing. Finland has recently seen a significant slowdown in the construction industry, and financiers are increasingly

A new daycare centre is being built in Helsinki’s Pitäjänmäki district, right next to a popular recreational area and sp… A new daycare centre is being built in Helsinki’s Pitäjänmäki district, right next to a popular recreational area and sports park. Hoivatilat Oyj is both the developer and the property owner. Daycare centres are in demand as Helsinki does not currently have enough early childhood education facilities to meet its needs. This new two-storey building …