The silent peace of a log house in the heart of the city
When a traditional log house meets modern urban living. Six stunning, contemporary log houses have risen in Tampere's Linnainmaa district, proving that a breathable log home is also suitable for an urban environment.
The comeback of log construction
Until a couple of decades ago, it was not easy to get planning permissions for log houses in urban areas. Now the situation is completely different: every fourth new detached house in Finland is built of logs. The popularity of log houses is due to the versatility of the natural material; ecology, recyclability, longevity and excellent indoor air quality make them desirable homes.
Product development in the log industry has played a key role. Short corners and mitre joints have made log houses urban and architecturally free. Modern laminated timber is weightless, making construction easier and giving more freedom to design.
A log house is compact, warm and quiet
Although some still think of draught and unevenness when imagining a log house, studies show that logs are one of the strongest building materials. In addition, timber's inherent acoustics and breathability ensure a comfortable indoor climate. The warm surface of log walls brings a natural atmosphere and visual harmony to the home that is rarely experienced in the hustle and bustle of the city.
Modern design and high-quality interior design
The apartments have functional and efficient layouts: downstairs there is a utility room, sauna and a spacious 35 m2 kitchen-living room with large windows and access to the open terrace. Upstairs there are four bedrooms, a walk-in wardrobe and a balcony.
The level of interior equipment exceeds that of many ready-to-move-in house packages:
Atlas Concorde tile floors
Nerkoon Höyläämö slatted roof in the kitchen-living room
Puustelli island kitchen with integrated extractor fan
Kärävä thermo pine sauna benches
Water underfloor heating with geothermal heat
"The high-quality finishes and natural materials make the home really cosy. An effortless but dignified living experience," says one of the future residents.
Log house is the urban home of the future
The log houses in Linnainmaa show that ecological and healthy living does not require compromises in location or modern architecture. Log construction has moved from the countryside to the city, and is doing it in style.
"The log house has a unique, peaceful silence and good indoor air. It's a home where you can breathe," summarises Tero Ollikainen, CEO of Ollikaisen Hirsirakenne.
