Chief Architect Anne Mäkinen: the Honka log home models introduced this autumn are perfect for families

With Honka, you can have the log home of your dreams. We pay careful attention to the elements and space your family needs, clean indoor air, and a relaxed atmosphere – in short, the superior quality that’s synonymous with the Honka brand! The new Honka log homes we are adding to our range this autumn are designed for families who need a carefully planned layout and all the other elements that make life easier.

The cosy houses fit well into a traditional low-rise landscape, and are ideal both for larger plots in the countryside or more compact urban plots. Honkarakenne’s chief architect is Anne Mäkinen, who has extensive experience in designing log houses and a keen ear for what customers want. The new Honka log houses were designed with families with children in mind. The newcomers to our range are the Huurre and Toivio models, and our much-loved Tähkä, Riekko, Vilja and Mambo models have been given a makeover and are now available in more compact versions as well.

Listening to the customer

“The log home models we’re introducing this autumn were specifically designed for young families,” Anne says.

“With this range, we want to offer homes that are suitable for families, for example on plots outside urban areas, and also for suburban homes, as well as houses that are just right for residential areas of single-family houses.” The new models are suitable for a wide range of living environments.

“They differ from our earlier house models in that particular attention has been paid to families’ wishes in terms of the number of bedrooms, and spatial planning has been thought out even more carefully with this in mind.” The quality is no less than what people know to expect from Honka homes, which includes both the durability and quality of the wood used and the careful addition to detail and functionality that make everyday life easier.

They differ from our earlier house models in that particular attention has been paid to families’ wishes in terms of the number of bedrooms, and spatial planning has been thought out even more carefully with this in mind.

Anne Mäkinen, chief architect

What does a Honka home cost?

When asked about pricing, Anne says the main factor in determining the price of a log home is the architectural complexity of the building. This refers to factors such as the number of corners on the exterior walls and the number of different floor levels and ceiling heights. “In response to what customers would like to see, the Honka log home designs introduced this autumn feature rectangular and L-shaped floor plans. Similarly, we have sought to make these log homes even easier to construct than our previous models,” Anne explains. The total cost of construction has also been taken into account in designing the new models.

What if a customer wants to make changes to the designs – will this affect the price?
“The designs can of course be modified, since we make every effort to accommodate the particular needs of all our customers. The price will always increase if the length or frame depth of the architectural design is increased, if the floor area is increased, if the roof shape is changed, or if the floor plan is altered in such a way that more material is needed for construction.” For each of the standard models, the structural plans, main drawings, and dimensioned drawings of the foundations have been prepared. “In this regard too, we have done our utmost to make things as easy as possible for our customers.” The fact that the main drawings are already largely complete to start with also speeds up the building permit application process. “Of course, any given design may need to be modified to take the planning regulations of the particular municipality into account,” Anne points out.

Right-sized family homes

The new log homes in the Honka range are just what families with children need. Several of the models have a total floor area of 120 m², which is fairly typical for family homes. In terms of size and functionality, the new models have been carefully crafted to meet the needs of the needs of young families. “Less is more when everything is well planned.”  All of the log home designs are ideal for level or gently sloping plots, in open landscapes or in urban neighbourhoods. Large windows were chosen to let plenty of daylight into the home.

Quality has many faces

When it comes to quality, no doubt the models in the new collection are Honka through and through? “They certainly are. As always, the cornerstone of Honka quality is the design expertise and attention to detail that goes into every log home.” Other factors that are essential to overall quality are the safety of construction and value for money. “There are many ingredients to Honka quality, and they are all included in our new log home designs,” Anne says.

The cornerstone of Honka quality is the design expertise and attention to detail that goes into every log home.

Anne Mäkinen, chief architect