Wood Magazine 2/2022

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 …

Built near Töölönlahti Bay, Pikku-Finlandia provides a temporary venue during the renovation of Finlandia Hall between 2… Built near Töölönlahti Bay, Pikku-Finlandia provides a temporary venue during the renovation of Finlandia Hall between 2022 and 2025. In the spirit of the circular economy, Pikku-Finlandia can be moved and reused as a school, daycare centre, or other service facility once the renovation is over. The building components and materials are reusable or recyclable. …

Space of Mind is a modern cabin that acts as a dedicated space to think, recharge and unwind. Through a modular system,… Space of Mind is a modern cabin that acts as a dedicated space to think, recharge and unwind. Through a modular system, Space of Mind can serve as anything from a spare bedroom to a gym to a home office with the flexibility to be placed nearly anywhere in the world. Read the article in …

Originally created as part of artwork for Kansalaistori Square in Helsinki, this wooden pavilion has found a new home an… Originally created as part of artwork for Kansalaistori Square in Helsinki, this wooden pavilion has found a new home and is a living example of the circular economy. The former artwork now serves passengers at a local train station in Lahti. Read the article in Finnish: Uudenkylän juna-aseman paviljonki The wooden pavilion at Uusikylä train …

Established in Tampere in 2018, the Kintulammi hiking and nature reserve serves as a destination for anyone looking for… Established in Tampere in 2018, the Kintulammi hiking and nature reserve serves as a destination for anyone looking for some fresh air. To expand the concept of traditional laavu shelters, the design team included architects who enjoy hiking in their free time. The resulting scattering of unique rest areas has amplified the popularity of the …

Nestled on an island in the Gulf of Finland, Vaskosaari sauna is tucked away between the forest and the north shore. Sel… Nestled on an island in the Gulf of Finland, Vaskosaari sauna is tucked away between the forest and the north shore. Selected with care, the vision for the location was to create a new building to supplement the relaxing space formed by the residence, dock, and cliff. This building would serve as a sauna connecting …

Kalamaja is a lakeside lodge intended for year-round use. Built from logs, the uncomplicated design lets visitors enjoy… Kalamaja is a lakeside lodge intended for year-round use. Built from logs, the uncomplicated design lets visitors enjoy the magnificence of the surrounding views. Despite its bold placement on the plot, the building maintains a respectful presence in the landscape. Large windows face north, east, and south, looking out over the seasonal changes in the …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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: …