Living in a massive wood house may decrease stress like walking in the woods

Press release 22.11.2013

The effect of wood on people has been studied in many countries. Marjut Wallenius, PhD, Docent in Psychology at University of Tampere, evaluated the results of several studies at Honka’s request. The report compiled by Wallenius demonstrates that, based on the research conducted in Norway, Japan, Canada, and Austria, wood has a positive effect on people’s emotional state.

The research results also prove consistently that the use of wood promotes people’s physical and mental health and well-being. Wood has a similar stress-reducing effect as exposure to nature. In the studies, it was discovered that environments with wooden structures lower blood pressure and heart rate and induce relaxation. Subjects who spent time in a room made of pine wood recovered from stress better than subjects who were in a room made of imitation wood. Sleep quality was also better in a pine wood bed.

“The research shows that using wood in construction and interiors of houses creates healthy, warm, and relaxing environments. Thus, living in a massive wood house may reduce stress like walking in the woods,” says Vice President − Design and SAFA Architect Tanja Rytkönen-Romppanen of Honka Group.

Further information:
Honka Group, Vice President − Design Tanja Rytkönen-Romppanen, tel. +358 40 573 7006, tanja.rytkonen-romppanen@honka.com

University of Tampere, Marjut Wallenius, Docent in Psychology, tel. +358 50 327 9968, marjut.wallenius@uta.fi

Source: Interior wood use benefits psychological health, Research summary 11/10/2013, Marjut Wallenius, Docent in Psychology, University of Tampere