Text: Anne Mäkinen, Head Architect at Honkarakenne
Home is a place for relaxing, which can improve overall wellbeing. According to the ‘Home that promotes wellbeing’ survey, Finns relax most in a log home, and naturalness, healthiness and ecology are the key reasons for choosing such a house. Log building has its advantages: single-family homes can be comprehensively designed to promote relaxation and wellbeing even more effectively.
Log-home dwellers are most fond of their homes
Logs are often used as building materials for rural holiday homes, but they also have outstanding advantages in urban settings. Indeed, logs are increasingly being used for single-family houses in urban areas. According to the survey, residents of log homes also like their homes more than do residents of other types of houses. Aesthetics was more prominent than in the case of other house types.
“A solid, timeless building made of a single material. The feel, appearance and acoustic qualities of the wood are what create the atmosphere. I love the fact that a log home can be modern, creating an entirely new spin on the concept. I love spending time at home ❤ ️”
– A comment by a Honka fan for the ‘Home that promotes wellbeing’ survey
For easier breathing and relaxation
The ‘Housing health and satisfaction in log-frame house survey’ (Asumis-, terveys- ja tyytyväisyys hirsitalossa -tutkimus) (THL – National Institute for Health and Welfare – 2012) reveals that logs are the healthiest and safest solution in terms of indoor air. The ‘Home that promotes wellbeing’ survey also showed that Finns regard high indoor air quality and low risk of mold as key features of single-family homes — those who switch to log homes notice that breathing becomes easier.
“Good indoor air has kept unnecessary infections at bay; I’ve been able to stop using asthma medication.”
– A comment by a Honka fan for the ‘Home that promotes wellbeing’ survey
Log home residents (89%) are more likely to feel that their houses foster wellbeing, in addition to being a sustainable choice, than residents of other types of homes.
“It’s wonderful to come home from work every day. It’s also wonderful to spend time at home when on vacation. Home is always a place of peace and relaxation. ”
– A comment by a Honka fan for the ‘Home that promotes wellbeing’ survey
Consider these four aspects when designing a relaxing home atmosphere
In addition to choosing logs as the building material for your home, you can decisively affect its level of comfort by carefully designing its functions.
1. Bring nature indoors
Research shows that solid wood reinforces our connection with nature and eases stress. 78% of people living in log homes feel close to nature, while the corresponding figure for all single-family and semi-detached houses is 47%. Spectacular glass walls which flood interiors with beautiful natural light and reveal breathtaking landscapes, can also be used to enhance ‘closeness to nature’. For example, Honka Huomen and Villa Mikael, our two exhibits at the Tuusula 2020 housing fair, use the unique pillar-beam technology with its beautiful wooden joints.
2. Consider the functioning of the premises and ensure accessibility
Your home should take account of your changing needs. We have designed a comprehensive collection of homes: a pre-designed log home model is a cost-effective option. You should treat the home model as a preliminary basis for your own log home, since the model can be freely modified. Our design service will be delighted to help you design a home that fulfils your needs and desires.
Our Housing Fair exhibits for 2020 approach home functions in a new way. Honka Huomen is designed for all five senses — it combines the elegant architecture of a log townhouse with the scent of wood, tasteful decor and lighting, and pleasant sound world. Villa Mikael is a genuinely accessible log home with a wide range of smart, everyday functions. Welcome to a summertime source of inspiration!
3. Explore the potential of building technology and take account of sound world
Smart building technology is highlighted in the Honka Huomen exhibit at the Housing Fair. For example, wireless humidity sensors monitor the moisture behavior of structures in real time. This ensures that indoor air is always of high quality and the house remains damp-proof throughout its life cycle. Structures and people are kept healthy by smartly controlled ventilation.
Honka Huomen residents can use the smart KNX building technology system to control their heating, ventilation, lighting and sound world easily from home or remotely. You can use the system to set predefined modes (such as home or away) and ambiences for movie evenings or dinner parties. To create a high-quality, all-round soundscape in your new log home, start designing it well before the house’s completion.
4. Choose safe M1 materials and add a harmonious interior as the finishing touch
Logs are a unique material that enables a simple wall structure — there are no unnecessary layers in doubtful condition. To ensure good indoor air, choose safe natural materials and low-emission M1 materials for construction.
Indoors, you can leave wood in its natural colour or, if you prefer, give it a light or dark finish. And of course, not everything has to be made of wood: many people add lighter intermediate walls, which can then be painted or wallpapered.
Honka Huomen’s harmonious interior design is by Maru Hautala. In interior design, you can do justice to nature’s artwork with a large window showing the landscape. Choose your materials carefully and invest in nature’s own products.
Three single-family houses that promote holistic wellbeing
This blog post was written by:
Anne Mäkinen
Head Architect, Honkarakenne
Anne is an experienced architect, who is inspired by nature, customers’ aspirations, and the art of combining sales with fantastic architecture.
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