Katajanokan Laituri (Katajanokka Pier) is a solid wood office building that is now part of Helsinki’s historic seaside.... Katajanokan Laituri (Katajanokka Pier) is a solid wood office building that is now part of Helsinki’s historic seaside. The architectural design is the handiwork of Anttinen Oiva Arkkitehdit Oy. This year’s winner was announced at the Puupäivä (Wood Day) event on November 6th. Katajanokka Pier aims to lead the way to a future where modern …

Text: Lauri Lepikonmäki, Planning manager, Sweco Hybrid construction makes it possible to lengthen spans and build highe... Text: Lauri Lepikonmäki, Planning manager, Sweco Hybrid construction makes it possible to lengthen spans and build higher. In a hybrid building, several materials are combined to create the load-bearing frame or other essential components, such as exterior walls, roofs, or balconies. These can be simple combinations of materials or more complicated composite structures. Note that …

Text: Ville Klem, Forecon Oy and Sauli Ylinen, Puutuoteteollisuus ry Nearly all builders and developers who have used wo... Text: Ville Klem, Forecon Oy and Sauli Ylinen, Puutuoteteollisuus ry Nearly all builders and developers who have used wooden roof elements have stated that they are satisfied with their choice. Most of them also estimate that the share of prefabricated construction will increase in the roof structures of wide-frame buildings. This growth estimate is also …

The Circular Materials Bioeconomy Network (CIMANET) is a doctoral education network that spans nine Finnish universities... The Circular Materials Bioeconomy Network (CIMANET) is a doctoral education network that spans nine Finnish universities. Coordinated by Aalto University, this multidisciplinary consortium provides funding to more than 60 PhD students with the aim of uncovering future industrial innovations and solutions. The good news for wood construction is that three interconnected doctoral projects at Tampere

Hearing from Puuinfo’s business members and partners, an article series Jarmo Pekkarinen, CEO of LapWall Oyj: How import... Hearing from Puuinfo’s business members and partners, an article series Jarmo Pekkarinen, CEO of LapWall Oyj: How important are management and strategy to the success of a company or organisation? Read the article in Finnish here. Good management creates the preconditions for a company or organisation to flourish. This potential often goes unrealised – in …

Finnish material technology startup Fiberwood Oy has raised €7.7 million in growth funding from its existing investors,... Finnish material technology startup Fiberwood Oy has raised €7.7 million in growth funding from its existing investors, Metsä Spring and Stephen Industries, together with public financiers. Read the article in Finnish here. The company is developing foam-forming technology that uses leftovers from the forest industry and natural fibres to create breathable, recyclable, and compostable materials, &

Construction is still on a downward slope this year, but the prognosis for next year promises better days ahead. In othe... Construction is still on a downward slope this year, but the prognosis for next year promises better days ahead. In other industries, a shrinking domestic market can be counteracted by increasing exports, but this is more difficult in construction. However, wood construction is a potential exception to this rule. By refining our green gold and …

Text: Liisa Akimof, founding partner, producer, WLT developerRichard Sirén, founding partner, architect and WLT-design A... Text: Liisa Akimof, founding partner, producer, WLT developerRichard Sirén, founding partner, architect and WLT-design Aaltopuu, or Wave Layered Timber (WLT®), is a Finnish glue-free innovation for mass-timber structures. WLT targets the core of today’s timber construction revolution, offering a sustainable, green, and grounded alternative to carbon-intensive concrete-dominated construction. In co

For the sixth time since the award was launched in 2018, an international jury made up of editors from five magazines sp... For the sixth time since the award was launched in 2018, an international jury made up of editors from five magazines specialising in wooden construction met to select the project that best represented the year in European wood architecture. THE JURY The five editors of the magazines Lignum (Switzerland), Mikado (Germany), Puuinfo (Finland), Trä (Sweden), …

If we want to promote the production of wood products and use wood in construction, we need to adopt sustainable forest... If we want to promote the production of wood products and use wood in construction, we need to adopt sustainable forest management practices and gain wider public acceptance for the harvesting of forests. Forests and wood products are deeply intertwined and must therefore be viewed as a whole, with everyone working together to see the …

Together with Metsäkeskus, Puuinfo produces a series of videos and educational material that aims to dispel myths about... Together with Metsäkeskus, Puuinfo produces a series of videos and educational material that aims to dispel myths about the wood sector. The videos and the learning platform will be published in August 2024. The project is a part of Hiilestä kiinni complex funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Topics: The goal of the …

At the beginning of next year, a new construction law will enter into force, which will bring significant changes to the... At the beginning of next year, a new construction law will enter into force, which will bring significant changes to the implementation and tendering of construction projects. In particular, the climate aspect comes to the fore when projects are required to calculate their carbon footprint as part of the construction process. This requirement is related …

In terms of the generated amounts construction and demolition waste, wood is second only to concrete in Finland. Constru... In terms of the generated amounts construction and demolition waste, wood is second only to concrete in Finland. Construction sites create vast amounts of demolition waste every year, and sawmills, factories, and production facilities produce significant amounts of by-products. While today this wood material mostly ends up being used for energy, it could be used …

Measures are being taken across the entire EU as well as in Norway and Switzerland to make more use of wood, with the la... Measures are being taken across the entire EU as well as in Norway and Switzerland to make more use of wood, with the latter two countries leading the way. This is a rather new development, as the conversation has only recently turned to the extensive use of non-renewable materials in construction and the considerable greenhouse …

Pre-fabrication has increased its market share over the past ten years, and new products, particularly CLT, have become... Pre-fabrication has increased its market share over the past ten years, and new products, particularly CLT, have become viable options in the construction of hall-like buildings. Wooden roof elements are also gaining ground, increasingly taking the place of roofs built on site. The original HalliPES 1.0 design guide from 2014 became obsolete due to technical …

Equipped with the industry’s latest technology, this new LapWall facility will significantly lower the costs of co... Equipped with the industry’s latest technology, this new LapWall facility will significantly lower the costs of component manufacturing and assembly and allow raw material to be used more efficiently. This investment supports the company’s strategy, which aims for profitable growth and a sizeable increase in market share. “This investment will triple our production capacity. The

Authorities have now granted the required building permit, allowing construction to begin this summer. Once complete in... Authorities have now granted the required building permit, allowing construction to begin this summer. Once complete in 2025, Versowood’s headquarters in Vierumäki will be the face of Finland’s largest private processing facility for lumber and wood products. The building is approximately 3,000 m2, divided over two floors. The exterior cladding is Versowood’s own Kuningaspaneeli,

Located in the Seutula district of Vantaa, Katrineberg is a scenic locale with a rich cultural history. Its built enviro... Located in the Seutula district of Vantaa, Katrineberg is a scenic locale with a rich cultural history. Its built environment has grown over several eras and includes the 300-year-old Katrineberg Manor and the late 1950s-era Katriina Hospital. The area’s new development plan specifies several architectural principles: Together with the Finnish Association of Architects (SAFA), the …

Wooden buildings have been around for a long time. In fact, the oldest building still in active use is a respectable 1,6... Wooden buildings have been around for a long time. In fact, the oldest building still in active use is a respectable 1,600 years old. However, the data available on wooden buildings and the damage they have sustained is still not statistically significant. Despite wood’s popularity and long service life as a building material, the shortage …

VTT:n toteuttamassa ennakointihankkeessa selvitettiin puurakentamisen tulevaisuuden mahdollisuuksia ja haasteita haastat... VTT:n toteuttamassa ennakointihankkeessa selvitettiin puurakentamisen tulevaisuuden mahdollisuuksia ja haasteita haastattelemalla laajaa joukkoa puurakentamisen asiantuntijoita. Teksti: Maarit Halttunen ja Janne Lehenkari, VTT Korkeiden kohteiden puurakentamiseen kohdistuu paljon odotuksia. Puukerrostalot voivat auttaa ilmasto- ja kestävyystavoitteiden saavuttamisessa kaupunkien tiivistyessä ja ke

The extensive set of materials prepared two years ago as a collaboration of wood industry teachers has been translated i... The extensive set of materials prepared two years ago as a collaboration of wood industry teachers has been translated into English. There are several thousand PowerPoint pages of material. They cover wood material theory, industrial wood products and wood technology. The material introduces industrial building systems, the principles of architectural planning and planning, building regulations &h

As climate change accelerates, the discourse on sustainability in policymaking, urban planning, and architectural design... As climate change accelerates, the discourse on sustainability in policymaking, urban planning, and architectural design has increasingly emphasised the circular economy, resilience, and adaptability in the building sector. Recently, the United Nations Environment Program’s (UNEP) asserted that “The construction sector is not on track to decarbonise by 2050” (UNEP 2022), effectively st

A renovation and expansion project completed this year added a new layer of history to Lieto’s medieval church. Bu... A renovation and expansion project completed this year added a new layer of history to Lieto’s medieval church. Built from grey rock, the original nave has a medieval sacristy and arms room but was extended on its east end in 1902 with a hexagonal “little church” built from red brick. A new extension, “Leipähuone” (Bread …

Wood Magazine is facing a positive challenge: an overwhelming array of interesting topics. Even the program for Wood Day... Wood Magazine is facing a positive challenge: an overwhelming array of interesting topics. Even the program for Wood Day shares the same “dilemma” – too many good ideas. Speaking of Wood Day, make sure to save the date of Wednesday, November 6th in your calendars. There is more and more talk about the use of …

Kimmo Rönkä, a specialist in the housing of the future, envisions a new era of construction that will bring people close... Kimmo Rönkä, a specialist in the housing of the future, envisions a new era of construction that will bring people closer to nature. Kimmo Rönkä, what is the new era of construction?  We only have one planet, so we need to change our over-consuming ways. We need to change our everyday lives if we are …

A new residential area in Kerava’s Kivisilta district will give visitors a peek into life in a new era. Next summe... A new residential area in Kerava’s Kivisilta district will give visitors a peek into life in a new era. Next summer, the area will host a festival showcasing the themes of sustainable construction and the circular economy. Read the article in Finnish here. Opulent views of fields and riverbanks open up from the old stone …

Northern Karelia’s Karelia Puutec has developed a non-glued CLT panel that brings something new to the product ran... Northern Karelia’s Karelia Puutec has developed a non-glued CLT panel that brings something new to the product range for wooden construction panels. Environmental friendliness has been a core value of the development process, which includes a local supply chain, low production emissions, and a circular economy for materials. By enabling modifiable structures, the product presents …

Multi-story timber-framed buildings have been a new promising industry with a high capacity for supporting the bio-econo... Multi-story timber-framed buildings have been a new promising industry with a high capacity for supporting the bio-economy and technologically refurbishing construction sector. They can contribute to social well-being both within primary production and within wood-based value chains. In this industry, as a growing market in Europe, EWPs (Engineered wood products) e.g., cross-laminated timber (CLT)

The wood element terminology guidelines published at Puupäivä (Wood Day) 2023 define the key principles for naming wood... The wood element terminology guidelines published at Puupäivä (Wood Day) 2023 define the key principles for naming wood elements. The PuuBIM guidelines aim to standardise the information modelling used in the structural design of wooden buildings and to harmonise the data types and formats used for wood elements. A unified naming convention simplifies the flow …

The municipality of Sipoo has planned a new village-style residential area for its Talma district, which lies along the... The municipality of Sipoo has planned a new village-style residential area for its Talma district, which lies along the border with Kerava. Puu-Talma (Wood-Talma) will be built following the principles of traditional villages: old log buildings can be relocated there, and new wooden buildings can supplement the old as long as construction follows traditional methods. …

Reading about something out of the ordinary is a wonderful way to broaden your horizons, and reading a paper copy can be... Reading about something out of the ordinary is a wonderful way to broaden your horizons, and reading a paper copy can be so much more fun. Using wood comes naturally to Finns, so a printed issue of Wood Magazine was a natural choice! A moment with a printed magazine is valuable me-time – some use …

The University of Eastern Finland has updated its natural sciences curriculum to better meet the demands of modern busin... The University of Eastern Finland has updated its natural sciences curriculum to better meet the demands of modern business. In August 2023, 55 engineering students began their studies in the new Sustainable Technologies graduate program on the Joensuu campus. Read the article in Finnish here. Besides the obvious goal of increasing cooperation with the region’s …

Docent Anu Bask, PhD Econ., has been appointed professor of business development in wood construction at the University... Docent Anu Bask, PhD Econ., has been appointed professor of business development in wood construction at the University of Vaasa. The professorship is a five-year fixed-term position with the goal of producing research data to guide the sustainability, competitiveness, business, and marketing and business concept development of the large-scale wood construction value chain. Read the …

Reviewed in December, the doctoral thesis of architect Matti Lakkala argues that people perceive logs to be a healthy bu... Reviewed in December, the doctoral thesis of architect Matti Lakkala argues that people perceive logs to be a healthy building material and building technology thanks to the solid wood composition and easily understood concept. According to his research, these characteristics are also integral to architectural quality Read the article in Finnish here. Finland has more …

The TRIQBRIQ building system consists of wooden building blocks, or BRIQs if you will, that are manufactured from inexpe... The TRIQBRIQ building system consists of wooden building blocks, or BRIQs if you will, that are manufactured from inexpensive recycled or surplus wood using robotics. At the construction site, the individual wooden BRIQs are stacked on top of each other and locked together with wooden dowels. The frame system needs no glue or metal fasteners, …

Built on the threshold of Koli National Park, Pohjois-Karjalan Osuuskauppa’s new hotel folds in among the classical styl... Built on the threshold of Koli National Park, Pohjois-Karjalan Osuuskauppa’s new hotel folds in among the classical styling of the buildings around it. While it welcomes visitors from near and far, the hotel particularly delights in accommodating families. Text: Nina Ahlroos Photographs: Tuomas Uusheimo and Jami Ivanof Read the article in Finnish here. The hotel’s …

Monio is a new multipurpose facility in the former garrison area in the centre of Tuusula’s Hyrylä disctrict. The buildi... Monio is a new multipurpose facility in the former garrison area in the centre of Tuusula’s Hyrylä disctrict. The building houses an upper secondary school and cultural centre, and was designed by AOR Architects. The winner was announced at the Puupäivä (Wood Day) event on November 2nd. With a gross area of 8773 m2, Monio …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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

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 …

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 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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Stora Enso’s building concepts demonstrate the best-performing combinations of Sylva™ by Stora Enso range of prefabricat... Stora Enso’s building concepts demonstrate the best-performing combinations of Sylva™ by Stora Enso range of prefabricated wood-based products for low-carbon and cost-efficient wooden buildings. The mixed use building concept combines office and accommodation space to assure the flexibility for the planning phase and adaptability for future needs. Developed in cooperation with Sweco Finland Oy and

A new art museum addition rounds out the Raasepori museum’s Ekta building and the Pro Artibus foundation’s G... A new art museum addition rounds out the Raasepori museum’s Ekta building and the Pro Artibus foundation’s Galleria Elverket. The art museum was commissioned by the Albert de la Chapelle art foundation and designed by JKMM Arkkitehdit Oy. To best serve its purpose, this new building is a hybrid construction of concrete and wood. Dark-hued …

The Martta Wendelin daycare centre in Tuusula is this year’s winner of the International Award for Wood Architecture. Aw... The Martta Wendelin daycare centre in Tuusula is this year’s winner of the International Award for Wood Architecture. Awarded annually by the international press, the aim is to bring exceptional wooden architecture into the limelight to encourage innovation in design and to unite countries in their common appreciation of wooden construction. The winner was announced …

The City of Helsinki has plans to build an environmentally sustainable residential area using wooden construction. Locat... The City of Helsinki has plans to build an environmentally sustainable residential area using wooden construction. Located in Hermanninranta, the northern part of the Kalasatama district, this new wooden area will be home to 5,500 residents. The plans include nine residential blocks, two parking garages, a school, and two daycare centres. Pre-construction and street construction …

It’s time to embrace the truth and shout it from the rooftops. Finns ARE the happiest people in the world, and we... It’s time to embrace the truth and shout it from the rooftops. Finns ARE the happiest people in the world, and we should let others know it. The Danes have their “hygge” and the Swedes have Abba and Loreen, but we can make happiness a Finnish brand and export product. Productization requires concretizing the concept …

While the production and use of low-carbon and nature-based building products have rapidly gained ground in Central Euro... While the production and use of low-carbon and nature-based building products have rapidly gained ground in Central Europe, there is still a lack of comprehensive data on the technical properties or carbon footprints of these products in Finland. In 2022, the Nature CO2 project at Tampere University collected information on nature-based building materials, and there …

While Turku often shows the way in wood construction, the sector is also actively promoted elsewhere in the regions of S... While Turku often shows the way in wood construction, the sector is also actively promoted elsewhere in the regions of Satakunta and Southwest Finland. Text: Dennis Somelar, project manager, the Finnish Forest Centre Read the article in Finnish here. The City of Turku has been an important pioneer in the construction of wooden multi-storeys in …

Stora Enso’s new headquarters, named Katajanokka Laituri, will be completed by the summer of 2024. The new wooden... Stora Enso’s new headquarters, named Katajanokka Laituri, will be completed by the summer of 2024. The new wooden building will be located in Katajanokka, Helsinki, which is familiar to passengers as a cruise port. The building is owned by the Finnish pension company Varma. Lue artikkeli suomeksi. 1. The building is created from solid wood …

The new construction act opens new markets for wood construction. In the future, a warehouse of less than 30 square mete... The new construction act opens new markets for wood construction. In the future, a warehouse of less than 30 square meters or a yard sauna can be built without a permit, as long as the building and planning regulations and the regulations for waterfront construction apply. The new Construction Act will enter into force at …

The task of promoting wood construction is often relegated to municipal zoning, but cities have been surprisingly resour... The task of promoting wood construction is often relegated to municipal zoning, but cities have been surprisingly resourceful in finding alternative methods to increase wood use. In the spirit of learning together, ten cities of varying sizes shared their individual methods in the “Puu tulee kaupunkiin” (Wood comes to the city) project in 2021–2022. Text: …

On March 15th, Oy CrossLam Kuhmo Ltd started production at the new extension to its CLT manufacturing facility in Kuhmo.... On March 15th, Oy CrossLam Kuhmo Ltd started production at the new extension to its CLT manufacturing facility in Kuhmo. This investment doubles Crosslam’s annual manufacturing capacity. “We are proud to bring one of Northern Europe’s most modern and customer-oriented CLT production lines to Finland’s Kainuu region. This investment enables our company to develop alongside &hellip

In 2021–2022, Puuinfo produced a video series about a number of topics, including the construction of wooden apartment b... In 2021–2022, Puuinfo produced a video series about a number of topics, including the construction of wooden apartment buildings in cities, daily life in wooden apartment buildings, and the use of wood in interior design and in apartment building, courtyards. These videos go into special topics around building and living in wooden apartments such as …

After a three year hiatus, Wood Day was once again held live on November 3, 2022. An audience of a thousand people atten... After a three year hiatus, Wood Day was once again held live on November 3, 2022. An audience of a thousand people attended the event either in person at the Messukeskus exhibition centre in Helsinki or online. The cosy atmosphere at Messukeskus made networking easy, and online attendees were also pleased with the event. This …

Digital copies of Wood magazine from as early as 1999 are available online at Puuinfo’s website. I highly recommend you... Digital copies of Wood magazine from as early as 1999 are available online at Puuinfo’s website. I highly recommend you go and take a look. Personally, I really enjoyed looking through the lead editorials from Pekka Heikkinen published between 2004 and 2014. Heikkinen goes into his own relationship with wood, makes his case for a …

The 2022 Lumber Merchant Prize was awarded to Heinolan Levy ja Lista Oy. Run by second-generation entrepreneurs, the com... The 2022 Lumber Merchant Prize was awarded to Heinolan Levy ja Lista Oy. Run by second-generation entrepreneurs, the company has created a concept that helps them succeed in a very competitive field. This building supplies store relies on trust to serve local construction professionals and companies, and DIY consumers. Employing 16 people, it has a …

A dissertation by Jaakko Jussila shows that the use of wood in construction improves sustainability, but preconceptions... A dissertation by Jaakko Jussila shows that the use of wood in construction improves sustainability, but preconceptions about quality issues and potentially high costs still keep wood from gaining ground in industrial construction. He finds that wood construction should focus more on customers and not only on technology and cost efficiency. Recent years have seen …

The third quarter of 2022 saw the market share of newly begun wooden multi-storey building construction projects (constr... The third quarter of 2022 saw the market share of newly begun wooden multi-storey building construction projects (construction starts) rise to 6%, which is the second highest result in ten years. The number of wood-framed apartment building starts rose by 10% while the overall volume of apartment starts shrank by 16%. The proportion of wood …

Aproposal entitled “Puukruunu (Wood Crown)” has won a competition organised by the Urban and Environmental Services depa... Aproposal entitled “Puukruunu (Wood Crown)” has won a competition organised by the Urban and Environmental Services department of the City of Oulu. The winning entry was submitted by Puurakentajat Group Oy and Schauman Arkkitehdit Helsinki Oy (ARCO). The design competition ran from April to December 2022 and called for a 16-storey wooden apartment building to …

Finland, Sweden, and Estonia collaborated with the European Commission to organise the Into the Woods event at the Halti... Finland, Sweden, and Estonia collaborated with the European Commission to organise the Into the Woods event at the Haltia Finnish Nature Centre in Nuuksio on November 24, 2022. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen was visibly excited to be out in nature, and was intrigued by both the beautiful wooden building and …

This article examines post-construction vertical deformation in the post-tensioned wooden structures of Lighthouse Joens... This article examines post-construction vertical deformation in the post-tensioned wooden structures of Lighthouse Joensuu. This article is part II of a series, the first part of which appeared in Puu-lehti 3/19 and dealt with the vertical deformations that occurred during construction and finishing work [1]. The world’s tallest wooden residential apartment building with tendon steel …

Quality insulation is fit for purpose and retains its good qualities year after year. There is a wide range of insulatio... Quality insulation is fit for purpose and retains its good qualities year after year. There is a wide range of insulation products available, each suited for a specific task. Thermal insulation products vary in their materials and properties, but air leakage in a building needs to be considered regardless of the material used. Airtightness is …

There is a lot of folk wisdom about wood’s positive health effects, but only a few of these beliefs are backed up by res... There is a lot of folk wisdom about wood’s positive health effects, but only a few of these beliefs are backed up by research. RDI Specialist Susanne Kumpulainen and her team at the Active Live lab research unit at the South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (Xamk) have investigated the psychophysiological effects of rooms with …

When selecting a contracting model for a construction project, it is important to consider how the design and constructi... When selecting a contracting model for a construction project, it is important to consider how the design and construction will be interacting in the project. The main questions are who is responsible for creating the design and will the project be done sequentially (design, then construction) or in parallel (design and construction overlap). The contracting …

Wood construction has its own peculiarities that people need to be aware of before they launch a project. The Ministry o... Wood construction has its own peculiarities that people need to be aware of before they launch a project. The Ministry of the Environment’s construction programme has published a procurement guide for municipalities that seek to build with wood. The guide provides advice for those in the public sector on wood construction procurement and project execution. …

In a historic decision in 2018, the municipality of Tuusula committed to renewing most of its municipal network of servi... In a historic decision in 2018, the municipality of Tuusula committed to renewing most of its municipal network of services. This requires a number of new buildings to be built, including large campuses for up to 1,000 students. The target is to complete about one project per year. Measured by gross square metres, 60,000 m2 …

Puuinfo has collected cost data on wooden schools, daycare centres and apartment buildings since 2018. These statistics... Puuinfo has collected cost data on wooden schools, daycare centres and apartment buildings since 2018. These statistics cover the most significant new schools, of which there are a total of 21. Very small one-storey schools have been excluded from the study. Adjusted for 2021 prices, the majority of wooden schools have cost €2000–3000/m2. This information …

As part of a pilot project for wooden construction, the City of Espoo is building a new school and daycare centre in the... As part of a pilot project for wooden construction, the City of Espoo is building a new school and daycare centre in the Tiistilä district. The use of wood as a building material is in line with the city’s strategic goals of sustainable development and carbon neutrality. This new building will be ready for study …

Free educational materials on industrial wood construction in Finnish are now available for download from Puuinfo’s webs... Free educational materials on industrial wood construction in Finnish are now available for download from Puuinfo’s website and the national teachers’ channel aoe.fi. Prepared specifically for teachers, the materials have potential applications at many different levels in the educational system. Read the article in Finnish here. The material spans several thousand pages and covers topics …

Arkkitehtoimisto ALA Oy is behind the architectural design for the entrance hall to the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. The awa... Arkkitehtoimisto ALA Oy is behind the architectural design for the entrance hall to the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. The award winner was announced at Puupäivä (Wood Day) on November 3, 2022 in Helsinki. The jury issued the following statement: The ceiling of the departure hall and entrance at the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is a masterful display of how …

The aim of the International Award for Wood Architecture is to present and reward excellence in the field of wood archit... The aim of the International Award for Wood Architecture is to present and reward excellence in the field of wood architecture. The annual award seeks to stimulate the development of innovative architectural thinking using wood, and to establish links between countries where wood construction plays an increasingly important role. Text: Puuinfo Read the article in …

The Keitele Group is a family-run business where a long-term generational transition is coming to fruition. Industry Adv... The Keitele Group is a family-run business where a long-term generational transition is coming to fruition. Industry Advisor Ilkka Kylävainio is the founder of Keitele, one of the largest operators in Finland’s sawmill and wood product industry. He is transferring the entire company to his sons Matti and Mikko Kylävainio. Mikko Kylävainio will become CEO …

Science Centre Heureka’s Wild Wild Wood exhibition has been awarded the internationally widely recognized Red Dot design... Science Centre Heureka’s Wild Wild Wood exhibition has been awarded the internationally widely recognized Red Dot design award in the “Brands & Communication Design 2022” series. The Red Dot Design Award is one of the largest, oldest, and most prestigious design competitions in the world. The competition has three series: Product design, Brands & Communication …

The City of Helsinki has developed a new wooden building concept that can be easily replicated. Specifically designed to... The City of Helsinki has developed a new wooden building concept that can be easily replicated. Specifically designed to fit into spaces around existing structures, these apartment buildings are compact and environmentally-friendly. The process and designs are freely available to everyone from property owners to suppliers of construction elements. The new apartment building model has …

TOAS Hippos is the airy, vibrant, and urban student housing complex of the future. Located in the Kaleva area of Tampere... TOAS Hippos is the airy, vibrant, and urban student housing complex of the future. Located in the Kaleva area of Tampere, it offers a variety of housing options and services with a sense of community. Text: TOAS and Puuinfo Photos: Arkkitehtitoimisto Helamaa & Heiskanen Oy Read the article in Finnish: TOAS Hippos TOAS Hippos is …

Text: Markku Karjalainen, Rakennusopin professori, TkT, Arkkitehti, Tampereen yliopisto, arkkitehtuurin yksikkö Photo: M... Text: Markku Karjalainen, Rakennusopin professori, TkT, Arkkitehti, Tampereen yliopisto, arkkitehtuurin yksikkö Photo: Mika Huisman, Tais Griguol, Oulun Puustudio Read the article in Finnish: Puukerrostaloja puskemassa lähes 30 vuotta I first ran into the development of wooden apartment buildings in Finland in 1994. The occasion was a seminar on the topic, which we arranged at the …

The site of the former bus station in central Kajaani will soon be home to the Sammonkaari apartment block. This multi-g... The site of the former bus station in central Kajaani will soon be home to the Sammonkaari apartment block. This multi-generational residential area is designed to be close to shops and services, and its modern and environmentally-friendly solutions were chosen to suit the varying ages of its users. The area’s first block will be constructed …

In recent years, larger and taller wooden buildings have been built all around the world. In this article, Post-doctoral... In recent years, larger and taller wooden buildings have been built all around the world. In this article, Post-doctoral Researcher Hüseyin Emre Ilgın and Professor Markku Karjalainen from the Tampere University School of Architecture discuss the pros, cons, and possibilities of tall wooden buildings. Text: Hüseyin Emre Ilgın, Markku Karjalainen, Tampereen yliopisto Photos: Voll Arkitekter &hellip

Finland now has over 130 wooden apartment buildings with more than 2 storeys, and they are home to a total of more than... Finland now has over 130 wooden apartment buildings with more than 2 storeys, and they are home to a total of more than 4,000 families. This issue, we recount the colourful history of wooden apartment building construction from the 1990s to the present. Most wooden multi-storeys are built using volumetric elements and a pole-frame, but …

The new state-of-the-art pine sawmill in Rauma in Finland, owned by Metsä Fibre, part of Metsä Group, has moved from pro... The new state-of-the-art pine sawmill in Rauma in Finland, owned by Metsä Fibre, part of Metsä Group, has moved from production test run to continuous sawn timber production. The sawmill is operating continuously in three shifts. Construction of the Rauma sawmill started in the spring of 2020, and the value of the investment is approximately …

The stress-reducing effects of wood have a strong influence on people’s well-being. The specific mechanisms behind this... The stress-reducing effects of wood have a strong influence on people’s well-being. The specific mechanisms behind this phenomenon and how they can be used at a larger scale are currently a hot topic of research at the South-Eastern University of Applied Sciences (XAMK). Text: Sami AnteroinenPhotographs: Manu Eloaho Read the article in English: Kaakkois-Suomen ammattikorkeakoulussa …

In a country with hundreds of thousands of summer cottages, heading off to the countryside is an important part of Finni... In a country with hundreds of thousands of summer cottages, heading off to the countryside is an important part of Finnish culture. In recent years, it has actually gained popularity in some communities. While the public still retains a strong mental image of a simple, pitched-roofed summer house on the waterfront, such traditional cottages no …

A circular economy is an economic system that keeps materials and products in circulation for as long as possible in ord... A circular economy is an economic system that keeps materials and products in circulation for as long as possible in order to retain their value. The aim is to minimise waste in production and consumption, and to operate within the limits of the environment’s carrying capacity. The circular economy has been identified as a necessary …

Finnish cyber security company WithSecure (former F-Secure) is building its new headquarters in Wood City. Located in He... Finnish cyber security company WithSecure (former F-Secure) is building its new headquarters in Wood City. Located in Helsinki’s Jätkäsaari, Wood City is a multi-storey wooden block developed by SRV and Stora Enso. Construction kicked off in the spring, and the new facilities will be ready for use in 2024 Wood City already includes two apartment …

The winner or the 2022 International Award for Wood Architecture is Sara Cultural Centre in Skellefteå, Sweden. Rising t... The winner or the 2022 International Award for Wood Architecture is Sara Cultural Centre in Skellefteå, Sweden. Rising to 80 metres, Sara Cultural Centre is one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world. It includes, for instance, a theatre, art gallery, museum, library, concert halls, restaurants and a hotel. − The award is proof …

Sweco’s automatic carbon footprint calculator has been integrated into the Tekla Structures data modelling software for... Sweco’s automatic carbon footprint calculator has been integrated into the Tekla Structures data modelling software for structural design. With this add-on, designers can already view emission figures for entire models or parts thereof as early as in the design stage. This data is then provided to customers as part of the structural design. The Finnish …

Kontioranta is showing everyone how versatile wood construction and nature tourism can be with its innovative Puulaakso... Kontioranta is showing everyone how versatile wood construction and nature tourism can be with its innovative Puulaakso – Wood Valley. The municipality of Kontiolahti is signing a letter of intent on developing the Kontioranta Tourism Area with a group of local entrepreneurs who specialise in wood construction and nature tourism. This will kick off construction …

To combat climate change, the disappearance of nature, and resource scarcity, the entire construction sector should move... To combat climate change, the disappearance of nature, and resource scarcity, the entire construction sector should move towards a circular economy model. Although the circular economy is a popular discussion topic, there are still only a handful of actual completed projects. This is not for a lack of potential methods. The basic principles of a …

Finland is in many ways a pioneer in the wood industry. We have considerable strengths particularly in the fields of mat... Finland is in many ways a pioneer in the wood industry. We have considerable strengths particularly in the fields of material and energy efficiency, but the circular economy of wood construction is still in its infancy here. Wood construction is undergoing significant strategic and operational changes in hopes of tackling climate change, accelerating the green …

When this log row house project was planned for the Honkasuo district in Helsinki, the aim was to be carbon negative. Th... When this log row house project was planned for the Honkasuo district in Helsinki, the aim was to be carbon negative. This meant the carbon handprint needed be larger than the carbon footprint. The natural way of building the house has aroused interest among professionals in the construction sector, consumers and in the media. Text: …

Over the centuries, many log buildings have been dismantled, moved, and reerected at their new locations. There is good... Over the centuries, many log buildings have been dismantled, moved, and reerected at their new locations. There is good reason to view log construction as a pioneer of the circular economy. Text: Inkariina SipiläinenPhotographs: Timo Ovaskainen Read the article in Finnish: Hirsirakentaminen – kiertotaloutta vuosisatojen takaa According to the Ministry of the Environment, about a …

Finland is host to many examples of how log buildings have been dismantled and re-erected in new locations. At their bes... Finland is host to many examples of how log buildings have been dismantled and re-erected in new locations. At their best, the logs have been re-used over and over again for centuries. Timo Ovaskainen found a log home for himself in Häme and moved it to Kuopio. Text: Inkariina Sipiläinen Photographs: Timo Ovaskainen  Read the article …

As called for by the government, the use of wood is now being vigorously promoted in public construction. Schools, dayca... As called for by the government, the use of wood is now being vigorously promoted in public construction. Schools, daycare centres, and other educational facilities in particular have been built from wood in recent years. The 2021 Wood Award competition has also seen the same trend: four of the nine finalists were wooden schools and …

A free public wood construction advisory service launched a year ago to bring municipalities together to develop and pic... A free public wood construction advisory service launched a year ago to bring municipalities together to develop and pick up the pace of public wood construction. For wood construction to increase its popularity, additional expertise is required above all. But, municipalities also need to find and adopt new procedures suitable to them. Text: Minna MattssonRead …

Once complete, the Tuusula Upper Secondary School and multipurpose facility “Monio” will be one of the large... Once complete, the Tuusula Upper Secondary School and multipurpose facility “Monio” will be one of the largest public buildings in Finland made from logs. Read the article in Finnish: Monion peruskivi on muurattu Construction of the Monio Upper Secondary School and Cultural Centre has begun in Hyrylä, Tuusula. The foundation was laid in late autumn, …

Public wood construction is gaining ground. In terms of raw numbers, wooden schools have been the most common public bui... Public wood construction is gaining ground. In terms of raw numbers, wooden schools have been the most common public building constructed in recent years. Design techniques for sound insulation in wood structures have also advanced rapidly. Designers can now verify the acoustic performance of their solutions at their desktop without time-consuming laboratory measurements or experimental …

According to a study completed in late 2021, wooden school buildings provide students with an excellent learning environ... According to a study completed in late 2021, wooden school buildings provide students with an excellent learning environment. This study on the health effects of wood construction compared the Tuupala wood school in Kuhmo with a control group of schools. The results show that the wooden school has a low noise level, less fluctuation in …

Since construction is responsible for over a third of the world’s CO2 emissions, its carbon footprint must be redu... Since construction is responsible for over a third of the world’s CO2 emissions, its carbon footprint must be reduced to prevent adverse climate effects. Switching to wood or recycled materials is an effective measure the industry can take. Teksti: Ninni WesterholmRead the article in Finnish: Rakentamisen ympäristövaikutukset – Puu ja kierrätysmateriaalit osana tarvittavaa murrosta We &helli

A building’s energy efficiency is determined by the combination of its structures, energy solutions, and building... A building’s energy efficiency is determined by the combination of its structures, energy solutions, and building technology. When building with wood, the choice of high quality windows, adequate insulation, and energy-efficient ventilation will result in a good energy class. A smart and responsible builder even considers each option’s impacts over the building’s entire lifecycle

The Hiilijemma project was launched out of a desire to provide clarity to the discussion around the use of wood in const... The Hiilijemma project was launched out of a desire to provide clarity to the discussion around the use of wood in construction. As part of the project, SYKE (the Finnish Environment Institute) produced a study on how an increase in wood construction might impact emissions from construction and the carbon balance of Finnish forests. Text: …

Can construction be used to promote biodiversity? This question is being studied in the Y Foundation’s Elonkirjota... Can construction be used to promote biodiversity? This question is being studied in the Y Foundation’s Elonkirjotalo project, which is developing a wooden apartment building that binds carbon and promotes biodiversity. Text: Anne Soininen | Images: Planetary Architecture The Elonkirjotalo building is the Y-Foundation’s pioneering wooden apartment building project. It aims to uncover ho

Wooden schools, architectural competition winners in wood, and downtown Helsinki’s impressive buildings with wooden faca... Wooden schools, architectural competition winners in wood, and downtown Helsinki’s impressive buildings with wooden facades are merely a few examples from the Toivoa puusta (Hope from Wood) exhibition at Helsinki’s Museum of Finnish Architecture. Together they highlight the relationship between wood and a sense of hope. While wood’s popularity in school construction comes from the …

The “Helsinki” single-family house was designed more than ten years ago as a solution for small plots and urban living.... The “Helsinki” single-family house was designed more than ten years ago as a solution for small plots and urban living. The house has since gained fame across Finland, and now has a prominent place among detached house design options. Text: Anne Soininen  Read the article in Finnish: Selkeälinjainen Helsinki-pientalo The City of Helsinki has made …

Meteorite, designed by Ateljé Sotamaa, was the people’s choice winner of the 2020 Puupalkinto (Wood Award) and has gaine... Meteorite, designed by Ateljé Sotamaa, was the people’s choice winner of the 2020 Puupalkinto (Wood Award) and has gained fame across Finland and internationally. It also won the North Karelia Provincial Construction Project Award in spring 2021 and was part of a virtual display at the Venice Architecture Biennale. The developer and designers were all …

Located along the new Tampere tram route, TOAS Kauppi offers apartments near outdoor, sports, and educational venues. Ma... Located along the new Tampere tram route, TOAS Kauppi offers apartments near outdoor, sports, and educational venues. Made with CLT volumetric elements, Kauppi is the first wooden apartment building built by TOAS, the Tampere Student Housing Foundation. Text: Ida Väänänen | Photographs: Skyfox, Marko Kallio Read the article in Finnish: TOAS Kauppi – kaunista ja kestävää opiskelijoille &h

Text: Anne Soininen |  Photographs: Puuinfo Read the article in Finnish: Kehittyvä kerrostalo -ohjelma ed... Text: Anne Soininen |  Photographs: Puuinfo Read the article in Finnish: Kehittyvä kerrostalo -ohjelma edistää puurakentamista The City of Helsinki’s Re-thinking Urban Housing programme aims to develop apartment building construction and housing in Helsinki. The programme’s key themes are easily adaptable apartments, pleasant courtyard spaces, affordability, a sense of community, re

Together with his team, Lauri Rautkari, the Assistant Professor of Wood Materials Science and Technology at Aalto Univer... Together with his team, Lauri Rautkari, the Assistant Professor of Wood Materials Science and Technology at Aalto University, is researching wood surface treatments and their possibilities. Currently, the best known wood modification methods are heat treatment and acetylation. All modifications, whether based on chemical, biological, or physical treatments, cause permanent changes to the treated w

The peripheries and surrounding municipalities of major cities are now drawing in new residents. There is even talk of a... The peripheries and surrounding municipalities of major cities are now drawing in new residents. There is even talk of a new so-called “Nurmijärvi phenomenon”, as they called the move to the surroundings of Greater Helsinki in the early 2000s. For wood construction, the pull of the surrounding suburbs opens up new possibilities. Text: Anne Soininen …

Hoas Tuuliniitty is the world’s tallest wooden building made from volumetric modules. In 2013, Asuntosäätiö joined force... Hoas Tuuliniitty is the world’s tallest wooden building made from volumetric modules. In 2013, Asuntosäätiö joined forces with Metsä Group and the City of Espoo to organise an architectural competition for a complex of wood buildings in the Tuuliniitty area of Tapiola, Espoo. Arkkitehtitoimisto Jukka Turtiainen Oy won the architectural competition with “Tiebreak” that envisioned …

A facade is like a building’s calling card as it entices people to step inside to take a better look. The materials, col... A facade is like a building’s calling card as it entices people to step inside to take a better look. The materials, colours and shapes define a building’s character. Facades need to withstand time but also represent their own era. Text: Inkariina Sipiläinen Read the article in Finnish: Puuta pintaan A wooden façade that is well-designed …

The Puukeila building, which has been built in Kuopio, is the third design by Arkkitehtuuritoimisto AT to use CLT volume... The Puukeila building, which has been built in Kuopio, is the third design by Arkkitehtuuritoimisto AT to use CLT volumetric elements. The company’s previous design, two apartment buildings for the same client KOy (real estate company) M2 Kodit, was completed in Jyväskylä in 2019. The design and implementation of Puukeila benefited from the experience gained …

The article has been published in June 2021 in Wood magazine 1/2021. Text: Mia Heiskanen | Photographs: Ville... The article has been published in June 2021 in Wood magazine 1/2021. Text: Mia Heiskanen | Photographs: Ville Vappula Photography Read the article in Finnish: Sauna N – tunnelmallinen puulämmitteinen pihasauna Sauna N is a yard sauna designed for a private client in Helsinki’s Itä-Pakila neighbourhood. The 600 m2 plot is in the middle of a dense …

The article has been published in June 2021 in Wood magazine 1/2021. Read the article in Finnish: Porvoon Galaksit – mod... The article has been published in June 2021 in Wood magazine 1/2021. Read the article in Finnish: Porvoon Galaksit – moderni mökkikylä Text: Elina Viitanen  Lying near the seashore in the Purola neighbourhood about three kilometres from Porvoo’s centre, the Gammelbacka garden allotments are now home to a complex of seven blocks reminiscent of the …

For the Varma Pension Insurance Company, the mitigation of climate change is a key corporate social responsibility. It a... For the Varma Pension Insurance Company, the mitigation of climate change is a key corporate social responsibility. It also plays a key role in new construction projects. Keilaniemen Portti is Varma’s flagship site: an architecturally impressive wood office building that features sustainable development and environmental friendliness in its design in an atypical way.  The article …

The article has been published in June 2021 in Wood magazine 1/2021. Text: Elina Viitanen | Photographs: Marc Goodwin, A... The article has been published in June 2021 in Wood magazine 1/2021. Text: Elina Viitanen | Photographs: Marc Goodwin, Archmospheres Read the article in Finnish: Niliaitta – puiden välissä leijuva talo The Suomenselkä region in central Finland was settled by the indigenous Sámi in earlier days. The area is characterised by higher terrain and a different habitat …

The article has been published in June 2021 in Wood magazine 1/2021. Text: Elina Viitanen | Photographs: Teemu Lautamies... The article has been published in June 2021 in Wood magazine 1/2021. Text: Elina Viitanen | Photographs: Teemu Lautamies Read the article in Finnish: Nolla-mökki – siirrettävä puusta rakennettu lomakohde The Nolla Cabin is a compact, fully mobile 10 m2 unit that can be assembled, disassembled and transported without heavy machinery. The cabin reflects a …

The article has been published in June 2021 in Wood magazine 1/2021. Text: Anu Turunen, photos: NCC Read the a... The article has been published in June 2021 in Wood magazine 1/2021. Text: Anu Turunen, photos: NCC Read the article in Finnish: CO2-vähennys tavoitteena Inspired by Valle Wood, NCC has looked into using wood in the development stages of projects for commercial space construction in Finland. Eelis Rytkönen, NCC’s urban developer “hippie”, as he calls himself, says …

The article has been published in June 2021 in Wood magazine 1/2021. Text: Mia Heiskanen Read the article in F... The article has been published in June 2021 in Wood magazine 1/2021. Text: Mia Heiskanen Read the article in Finnish: Pohdintoja asiakaskäyttäytymisen muutoksesta The Finnish passion for construction, renovation, and carpentry has spiked over the past year. Are changes in customer behavior evident to those working in sales in construction companies and in hardware store lumber department

The article has been published in June 2021 in Wood magazine 1/2021. Read the article in Finnish: Puumateriaal... The article has been published in June 2021 in Wood magazine 1/2021. Read the article in Finnish: Puumateriaali vaikuttaa myönteisesti ihmisen tunteisiin Text: Mia Heiskanen The Natural Resource Institute Finland and Tampere University’s Biomedical Measurements, Devices, and Systems unit and Production Economics unit collaborated on the interdisciplinary Wood for Good (W4G) research proj

The article has been published in June 2021 in Wood magazine 1/2021. Read the article in Finnish: Wood City –... The article has been published in June 2021 in Wood magazine 1/2021. Read the article in Finnish: Wood City – suomalaisen puurakentamisen lippulaiva Text: Mia Heiskanen ja Heidi Tetteh, Photos: Tuomas Uusheimo The result of collaboration by SRV and Stora Enso, Wood City is a series of wood buildings centrally located in the Jätkäsaari district of Helsinki. …

The City of Helsinki organized an open, high-standard competition that received 12 accepted submissions of high quality.... The City of Helsinki organized an open, high-standard competition that received 12 accepted submissions of high quality. Several proposals used wood to complement concrete structures. Low-carbon and other environmental values had a weight of 50% in the competition. The proposal from Hartela and the architectural firm Anttinen Oiva Arkkitehdit Oy was selected as the winner. …

“I t’s like Silicon Valley here,” says Ulla-Maaria Koivula when describing what’s going on in wood construction in North... “I t’s like Silicon Valley here,” says Ulla-Maaria Koivula when describing what’s going on in wood construction in Northern Karelia. And, she should know having moved from California to Finland last year. With the insight of someone who runs a global IT company and is a CLT construction innovator. Ulla-Maaria’s comment hits the nail on …

Puuinfo is producing an eight episode video series on wood construction and life in wooden apartment buildings. The firs... Puuinfo is producing an eight episode video series on wood construction and life in wooden apartment buildings. The first two videos will be completed this autumn. The first video covers the building of an urban courtyard and introduces viewers to a housing association’s roof terrace and pergolas. The second video presents wood-based interior design solutions, …

Using birch plywood, Aalto University researcher Pasi Herranen developed a greenhouse element that is now in use in a gr... Using birch plywood, Aalto University researcher Pasi Herranen developed a greenhouse element that is now in use in a greenhouse built in Piikkiö last spring. Compared to a traditional glass greenhouse, Herranen’s design saves energy, water, soil, and nutrients. His new invention consumes only half the usual amount of energy in year-round cultivation in Finnish …

LapWall, a manufacturer of prefabricated wooden elements, has been accepted by Puro.earth as a provider of carbon remova... LapWall, a manufacturer of prefabricated wooden elements, has been accepted by Puro.earth as a provider of carbon removal rights. Puro.earth is a marketplace that brings together suppliers of carbon removal certificates and operators interested in purchasing them. LapWall is the second Finnish construction product manufacturer to be approved to join this marketplace. Puro.earth has identified &hel

Working together with its partners, the Finnish Log House Industry Association organised a seminar for municipal decisio... Working together with its partners, the Finnish Log House Industry Association organised a seminar for municipal decision makers on the topics of good housing, construction, and municipal zoning. According to the recent Suomi asuu (Finnish Housing) 2021 report from Rakennustutkimus RTS Oy, Finns want three times the amount of detached houses produced by current construction. …

Read the article in Finnish: Puukerrostalorakentamisen kilpailukyvyn kehittämishankkeet “Wood construction is evolving r... Read the article in Finnish: Puukerrostalorakentamisen kilpailukyvyn kehittämishankkeet “Wood construction is evolving rapidly and attracting widespread interest. Support is also available to further promote wood construction.” These are the closing words of the research report “Elinvoimaa ja kestävyyttä teollisella puurakentamisella” (Vitality and Sustainability with Industrial Wood Construction)

Working with the City of Helsinki, Suomen Puukerrostalot Oy (a Puuinfo partner company) organised an invitational compet... Working with the City of Helsinki, Suomen Puukerrostalot Oy (a Puuinfo partner company) organised an invitational competition for a wooden apartment building plot in Kuninkaantammi. HELST Arkkitehdit Oy won with their proposal “Puuperhe” (Wood family). A total of 64 privately funded, socalled half-Hitas apartments will be built on the edge of Helene Schjerfbeck Park. As …

The article has been published in June 2021 in Wood magazine 1/2021. Read the article in Finnish: Ääneneristys... The article has been published in June 2021 in Wood magazine 1/2021. Read the article in Finnish: Ääneneristys puutalossa Text and pictures: Tero Lahtela Acoustic design plays an important role in wood buildings because it significantly effects how building component layers are structured and how joints and other couplings are made between building components. This means that …

The article has been published in June 2021 in Wood magazine 1/2021. Read The article in Finnish: Palomääräyks... The article has been published in June 2021 in Wood magazine 1/2021. Read The article in Finnish: Palomääräykset muuttuivat Text: Tero Lahtela Decree 927/2020 of the Finnish Ministry of the Environment entered into force at the beginning of 2021. These new regulations amend the Finnish Ministry of the Environment’s earlier Decree 848/2017 on fire safety in buildings. The amendments &hell

The article has been published in June 2021 in Wood magazine 1/2021. Read The article in Finnish: Vantaalle nousee hiili... The article has been published in June 2021 in Wood magazine 1/2021. Read The article in Finnish: Vantaalle nousee hiilinegatiivinen hirsipäiväkoti Next year, the Rekola district of Vantaa will be home to a day care centre that is more good than bad for the climate. The carbon footprint of the log building that won the …

Tall buildings are making their way to Finland. The attached vision was made to provoke discussion, could some wood be u... Tall buildings are making their way to Finland. The attached vision was made to provoke discussion, could some wood be used in those? Text and pictures: Mikko Viljakainen The article has been published in Wood magazine 2/2020. Read the article in Finnish: Korkeammalle There is an ongoing trend in the world of taller timber buildings. …

Sound insulation is one of the most demanding design aspects in wood construction. The latest legislation update extende... Sound insulation is one of the most demanding design aspects in wood construction. The latest legislation update extended the measurement range for impact sounds, which now starts from as low as 50 Hz (spectral adaptation term CI, 50-2500). Low frequencies in wood apartment buildings can be muted in several ways, for example by using impact …

Puuinfo’s internet services have been compiled for the new puuinfo.fi website. The site provides more information... Puuinfo’s internet services have been compiled for the new puuinfo.fi website. The site provides more information on wood construction and the use of wood for construction professionals and consumers. Outdated information has been removed and efforts have been made to reduce the advertising nature of the pages. Finding information has been made easier with clearer …

In new residential areas, the issue of parking space is increasingly often solved by constructing a dedicated car park.... In new residential areas, the issue of parking space is increasingly often solved by constructing a dedicated car park. This has raised interest in finding out whether such buildings could be built from wood. To further discussion on the topic, we followed the example of a Swedish multistorey car park project and designed one of …

Intermediate floors are a key building component when it comes to the competitiveness of wood apartment buildings. The s... Intermediate floors are a key building component when it comes to the competitiveness of wood apartment buildings. The sound insulation of an intermediate floor is determined mainly by impact sound insulation, rather than the airborne sound insulation. The development of wood intermediate floors for apartment buildings has long been a case of trial and error …

The 2019 Wood Award will be awarded to Joensuu Lighthouse. Its architectural design is by Arcadia Oy Arkkitehtitoimisto,... The 2019 Wood Award will be awarded to Joensuu Lighthouse. Its architectural design is by Arcadia Oy Arkkitehtitoimisto, with architect SAFA Samuli Sallinen as the chief designer. The award was granted at Finnish national Wood Day on November 28th in Helsinki Photo: Arcadia Oy Arkkitehtitoimisto As its award criteria, the jury stated the following: Joensuu …

The 2018 Wood Award goes to Tuupala primary school and day-care centre, with Antti Karsikas of alt Architects Oy and Mar... The 2018 Wood Award goes to Tuupala primary school and day-care centre, with Antti Karsikas of alt Architects Oy and Martti Karsikas of Arkkitehtitoimisto Karsikas Oy were responsible for the project’s architectural design. The jury made the following statement in awarding the prize: “The Tuupala primary school and day-care centre in Kuhmo is the first …

A-Insinöörit’s planning manager, Jaana Jokitulppo, PhD, points out that although the importance of noise in peoples’ day... A-Insinöörit’s planning manager, Jaana Jokitulppo, PhD, points out that although the importance of noise in peoples’ day-to-day well-being is known, construction projects still do not pay sufficient attention to acoustic solutions because acoustic design is not perceived to be a part of the overall design. In a sense, expertise in acoustics must be sold separately …

The ability to bind moisture, the beneficial acoustic properties and thermal conductivity are well-known properties of w... The ability to bind moisture, the beneficial acoustic properties and thermal conductivity are well-known properties of wood, but now researchers are becoming interested in wood’s antibacterial properties. For example, a comparison of cutting boards found that wooden boards repelled bacteria better than their plastic equivalents. – Many materials contain volatile organic compounds, also

Riina Muilu-Mäkelä, a senior researcher at Luke, the Natural Resources Institute of Finland, is conducting basic researc... Riina Muilu-Mäkelä, a senior researcher at Luke, the Natural Resources Institute of Finland, is conducting basic research on the health effects of wood. She also coordinates the Finnish Superwood project, which aims to identify the commercial market potential of wood in addition to its health effects. – Research on wood’s health effects is cross-disciplinary. The …

Using wood as a construction material is drawing increased interest due to its potential effects on human well-being. Pr... Using wood as a construction material is drawing increased interest due to its potential effects on human well-being. Problems with indoor air, mildew and noise in buildings have increased the pressure for finding solutions to these problems as early as the building design phase. Multidisciplinary research on the factors associated with well-being is being conducted …

The wood product industry is often thought of as an industry with high volume. However, the industry also includes firms... The wood product industry is often thought of as an industry with high volume. However, the industry also includes firms specialising in small production runs and customer-focused service operations. Vankkapuu Oy is a family business that has operated for over three decades. With operations in Simpele and Joutseno in the Finnish province of South Karelia, …

The timber trade is in the midst of a structural change. Consumers are increasingly less interested in basic lumber and... The timber trade is in the midst of a structural change. Consumers are increasingly less interested in basic lumber and are demanding more finished products instead. “I want to push the processing industry towards a higher degree of refinement and product development and a larger appreciation of the domestic market,” says Petrus Berg, the CEO …

Koskisen Oy, which began its sawmill operations almost 110 years ago, has grown into a diversified wood processing compa... Koskisen Oy, which began its sawmill operations almost 110 years ago, has grown into a diversified wood processing company that processes all its procured wood into products ranging from bio-energy to industrial housing elements. Located in Kärkölä in Päijät-Häme, the company has a typical history for a Finnish wood industry company: it started with sawmill …

The Finnish wood processing industry’s history of more than one hundred years traces back to its international ori... The Finnish wood processing industry’s history of more than one hundred years traces back to its international orientation and its knowledge of the needs of the export market. Alongside the main products of pulp and paper, a strong construction-focused industry has emerged to produce particle board and plywood products for industrial construction needs. This industry …

Finland is known around the world for its high-quality wood architecture. Today’s Finnish wood architecture has it... Finland is known around the world for its high-quality wood architecture. Today’s Finnish wood architecture has its roots in the minds of internationally renowned Finnish architects and draws inspiration from nature. High-quality wood architecture is a significant facilitator in increasing the appreciation and market for wood construction and growing its reputation. Finnish architecture’s su

Log construction has long traditions in Finland based on the suitability of the excellent raw material, the skills of th... Log construction has long traditions in Finland based on the suitability of the excellent raw material, the skills of the craftsmen, and log construction for the demanding Finnish climate. New industrial log materials, manufacturing technology and indoor air requirements have increased interest in log construction. Finland is the world leader in industrial log construction. It …

Although veneer-based plywood has its origins in England 200 years ago, its industrial manufacturing is rooted in the de... Although veneer-based plywood has its origins in England 200 years ago, its industrial manufacturing is rooted in the development of the wood processing industry in Finland. The plywood industry has undergone significant structural changes over the past few decades, and as a result, smaller factories have now closed shop and plywood manufacturing in Finland is …

Finnish sawn timber has a good reputation among end users. This reputation is based on the timber’s high quality,... Finnish sawn timber has a good reputation among end users. This reputation is based on the timber’s high quality, which makes it suitable for demanding uses, and on the reliability of deliveries and customer service in the industry. The roots of the Finnish wood processing industry are in the sawmill industry, which has produced high …

Over the course of 2018, Puuinfo will publish a series of articles on the Finnish wood industry and wood construction. T... Over the course of 2018, Puuinfo will publish a series of articles on the Finnish wood industry and wood construction. The article series by Markku Laukkanen and Mikko Viljakainen presents a variety of best practices and trends in the Finnish wood industry. Among other topics, the series will cover high quality Finnish wood and the …

Puuinfo Oy has been awarded the right to use the Finnish Social Enterprise mark in recognition of successfully combining... Puuinfo Oy has been awarded the right to use the Finnish Social Enterprise mark in recognition of successfully combining of commercial and social goals. Social enterprises can work in any sector regardless of the form of the company. The Finnish Social Enterprise mark awarded by The Association for Finnish Work helps reliably identify these enterprises. …

The 2017 Finnish Wood Award goes to Rest Area Niemenharju, with Studio Puisto Architects responsible for architectural d... The 2017 Finnish Wood Award goes to Rest Area Niemenharju, with Studio Puisto Architects responsible for architectural design. As its grounds for the award, the jury states the following: “Rest Area Niemenharju represents extremely high-quality and distinctive Finnish wood architecture that does not need any stylistic loans. Use of wood on the site is technically …

Metsä Wood’s Open Source Wood initiative is a call to action to architects, designers and engineers to join forces, shar... Metsä Wood’s Open Source Wood initiative is a call to action to architects, designers and engineers to join forces, share innovation and contribute knowledge about large-scale, modular wood construction.  Today the construction industry is dominated by two materials – steel and concrete. Only a fraction (5-10%) of global urban construction is wood, due in part to the fact 

Can sculptor Essi Renvall’s granddaughter become anything but an artist? ”Well, at least in my case this tradition is co... Can sculptor Essi Renvall’s granddaughter become anything but an artist? ”Well, at least in my case this tradition is continuing,” Ilona Rista says with a laugh. She is known for imposing, unique spatial works of art made from wood that function as wall elements. In her spatial artwork, Rista has combined the tradition of woodworking …

Wood has played an important role throughout the career of fifty-year-old Petri Heino, M.Sc. (For.), whose studies also... Wood has played an important role throughout the career of fifty-year-old Petri Heino, M.Sc. (For.), whose studies also include forest industry-related marketing. The small-town boy from Riihimäki realised that wood was his thing while working in the forestry department of Paloheimo Oy. Since then, his career has been multifaceted: a year on a student exchange …

The 2016 Finnish Wood Award went to the Pudasjärvi Log Campus, lead designer Pekka Lukkaroinen, Lukkaroinen Architects.... The 2016 Finnish Wood Award went to the Pudasjärvi Log Campus, lead designer Pekka Lukkaroinen, Lukkaroinen Architects. The jury commented: “The Pudasjärvi Log Campus is a fine example of systematically furthering wood construction and developing a traditional structural system into a credible alternative for construction challenges in the 21st century. The site’s architecture was sure

The Pudasjärvi City Council has made a unanimous policy decision to favour wood construction for all public buildings. A... The Pudasjärvi City Council has made a unanimous policy decision to favour wood construction for all public buildings. According to Mayor Tomi Timonen, the political mindset was based on the great significance of the forestry sector in the area. “We wanted to secure the hundreds of industrial jobs offered by the forestry sector, wood processing …

Stora Enso has introduced a modular construction solution based on CLT solid wood elements to the growing fast construct... Stora Enso has introduced a modular construction solution based on CLT solid wood elements to the growing fast construction market, enabling buildings to be ready for use in just a few weeks. There is a need for fast construction in many fields in Europe, for example student housing, school construction and now the significant challenge …

Finland’s largest log house manufacturer, Kontiotuote Oy, is improving its productivity by investing in design and... Finland’s largest log house manufacturer, Kontiotuote Oy, is improving its productivity by investing in design and industrial automation. The company has its own architecture and construction design units that employ as many people as actual production. “We use the industrial Internet, where design directs production. We can already see that strengthening investments in design has &hel

Sweco, an expert consulting company in the built environment and industry, is looking for growth in Central European con... Sweco, an expert consulting company in the built environment and industry, is looking for growth in Central European construction markets. After purchasing Grontmij, Holland’s leading construction design and consulting company, Sweco is Europe’s leading consulting and engineering company with 14,500 employees in 15 countries. Ismo Tawast, Managing of Director of Sweco Rakennetekniikka

Construction of the world’s tallest wood high-rise will begin this spring in Vienna, Austria. When completed in 20... Construction of the world’s tallest wood high-rise will begin this spring in Vienna, Austria. When completed in 2017, the HoHo building will have 24 storeys. Today, the tallest wood high-rise is a 14-storey residential building under construction in Bergen, Norway. Construction of the world’s tallest wood high-rise will begin next spring in Vienna, Austria. When …

Goals are high for Lapwall Oy, which began delivering wood elements three years ago in Pyhäntä, the most industrialised... Goals are high for Lapwall Oy, which began delivering wood elements three years ago in Pyhäntä, the most industrialised municipality in Finland. “Our goal is to cut construction costs and time by half and to be number one in wood construction in Northern Europe,” Lapwall’s Managing Director Jarmo Pekkarinen says without hesitation. “We already build …

The Wood Prize went to lead designer Anssi Lassila of OOPEAA (Office for Peripheral Architecture) for Jyväskylä’s... The Wood Prize went to lead designer Anssi Lassila of OOPEAA (Office for Peripheral Architecture) for Jyväskylä’s Puukuokka. The jury found Puukuokka to be an interesting project in terms of architecture, massing and colouring, which when viewed from different sides unfolds to viewers in varying and surprising ways. Use of wood in the building is …

Deputy Mayor Anni Sinnemäki wants Helsinki to be a vanguard in wood construction in Finland, both in special projects an... Deputy Mayor Anni Sinnemäki wants Helsinki to be a vanguard in wood construction in Finland, both in special projects and construction of multi-storey buildings. Sinnemäki, who is in charge of construction, is pleased with the Supreme Administrative Court’s decision giving municipalities the right to zone areas for wood buildings. “I’m truly proud that the city …

Eurban is a British company specialising in wood construction. Established in London in 2003, it is the most significant... Eurban is a British company specialising in wood construction. Established in London in 2003, it is the most significant enterprise in Great Britain’s limited wood-construction market. The company has realised the majority of about 300 wood-construction projects in Great Britain. “Construction based on use of solid wood boards, as well as our business operations model, …