PRESS RELEASE 2.3.2023 klo 12:00
Together with partners, Honka submitted two proposals to a design and plot allocation contest for a new residential area, organised by the City of Järvenpää located in Southern Finland. Both proposals were selected as building concepts for the residential area of cultural and historical significance. Based on Honka’s solutions, a community of log-built apartment buildings respecting the environment, and a neighbourhood of terraced houses respectful of traditional building methods will be built in the area.
Anni-tädin kylä (Aunt Anni’s Village) in Järvenpää in Southern Finland is a new residential area planned on the west side of Lake Tuusulanjärvi. The purpose of the open design and plot allocation contest was to find high-quality, community-based proposals for the area, taking into account the unique setting and the surrounding nature reserve. Honka, with partners, won both contests.
The sites are perfectly consistent with Honka’s strategy.
“Honka operates with a strong focus on producing new log housing that is not only healthier and of higher quality but also has a smaller carbon footprint,” says Marko Saarelainen, CEO of Honkarakenne.
According to the winning proposals, the area is planned to include four log-built apartment blocks with a gross floor area of 5,130 m² and a terraced housing estate with a gross floor area of 3,655 m² nearby. Both have been designed with a particular focus on communality and sustainable construction.
Log apartment buildings set a new level for sustainable living
The competition entry “Pihakvartetti”, designed together with VRP Etelä-Suomi and Sweco, involves a new way of constructing apartment buildings. The frames of the multi-storey buildings are made of low-carbon concrete and the exterior walls of non-settling lamellar log.
“Anni-tädin kylä is a fantastic area, ideal for developing high-quality construction. Log-built apartment buildings are new to the market, but perfectly feasible to construct. In close cooperation with VRP Etelä-Suomi and Sweco, we have developed a technical process that facilitates the construction of apartment buildings from logs,” says Raimo Pirhonen, Business Development Manager at Honka.
Log has long been a preferred building material among builders of detached houses, because wood is proven to be a healthy and safe choice. Log homes combine high quality with a pleasant living experience.
“The hybrid construction model combines the advantages of both materials, using the right materials in the right places. In our opinion, the collaborative proposal is a great combination of the traditional and the modern, respecting the magnificent milieu of the area while elevating log construction to a new level,” says Matti Koivunoro, CEO of VRP Etelä-Suomi.
The competition entry, based on the partnership model, was also praised for its the energy-efficient solutions. In addition to geothermal heating, the use of solar energy and possibly even wind power are planned for the entire area of apartment buildings.
Flexibility has also been taken into account in housing design, allowing the building of a wide range of homes of different sizes.
“At VRP, our aim is to not only create homes that meet people’s needs but also build something that will improve people’s lives. We want to build homes that will still be good to live in fifty years from now. That is why Honka as a partner, and log construction as the implementation method, are perfect for us,” says Koivunoro.
Raimo Pirhonen of Honka agrees.
“The cooperation with Sweco and VRP was very fluent. The spirit of the planned apartment building area is community-based and respectful of the surrounding nature. A communal space will be created in the middle of the buildings, which will also respond to future developments in terms of mobility, for example,” says Pirhonen.
Terraced housing estate respectful of traditional architecture – a paradise for families with children
The second winning entry, “Vanhiksen lyhdyt”, was prepared in collaboration with a local construction firm, Suomen Hyvä Koti Oy. The assets of the winning entry were based on Honka’s solid expertise in log construction and Suomen Hyvä Koti Oy’s local knowledge and professionalism. The contribution of architect Antti Ek of Ek & Ek architects, responsible for the design of the project, was invaluable as well.
“We got off to a great start right away and were very much in agreement on the design criteria. It was clear from the start that the area would be designed in the spirit of traditional architecture. The aim was to design a block courtyard complex that is safe and community-oriented,” says Pirhonen.
For both sites, the sense of community and village-like atmosphere are strong driving forces. The terraced house area is carefully designed to meet the needs of the residents. Both semi-detached and two-storey terraced houses are planned for the area, to cater for families in particular.
“The layout of the homes was designed to be family-oriented and flexible. The design takes into account the quality of the housing, including geothermal heating, and cooling of the apartments. We always work in a highly customer-oriented and flexible way,” says Tuomas Hirvonen, CEO of Suomen Hyvä Koti Oy.
Building of structurally, visually and technically premium-quality family housing is a profitable and sustainable way of building for all. Quality homes with a good location, close to services and nature, will invariably attract buyers.
“As building professionals, it is important for us to build homes that we could very well move into ourselves. We have always focused on building technology and energy-efficient solutions. We also constantly develop our skills, project by project,” says Hirvonen.
Hirvonen says that as the company’s aim is to focus on traditional building methods, log construction is ideal for them.
“Log construction ensures long life and healthy structures for homes. We definitely want to develop our competence as log builders. It was fantastic to win this contest together with Honka’s professional team, and thanks are due to everyone involved,” Hirvonen says.
Development continues in good cooperation
After winning the contest, zoning development will continue with the partners and the City of Järvenpää. Partnership model development is part of the city’s strategy, as it allows the final land-use planning to be based on developers’ creative proposals.
Honka is also developing its operations through a network of partners.
“Our partnership programme is based on a holistic approach to construction and partnership. Our projects always involve the same elements: the plot, the contractor with overall responsibility, with supporting operations involving design services and, if necessary, serving as the main contractor and Honka’s subcontracting. We also have a very broad customer network and deep understanding of our customers. Based on these elements, we put together a functional partnership package,” says Pirhonen.
The planning process for the Anni-tädin kylä area is now underway and once the city plan is confirmed, the developers can start pre-marketing and more detailed planning of the area.
“These wins proved that the model works well, as we came up with sustainable and viable proposals together with partners. Thanks are due to all parties involved! We will continue with the development process together,” says Pirhonen.
More information:
Honkarakenne Ltd
Raimo Pirhonen
Business Development Manager
+358 50 480 0049
raimo.pirhonen@honka.com
VRP Etelä-Suomi Oy
Matti Koivunoro
CEO
+358 50 596 6690
matti.koivunoro@vrp.fi
Suomen Hyvä Koti Oy
Tuomas Hirvonen
CEO
+358 400 400 920
tuomas@hyvakoti.info
Images for media: www.honka.com/media
Honkarakenne Plc manufactures high-quality, healthy and ecological log homes, holiday homes and public buildings under its Honka® brand from renewable, certified solid wood. The company has delivered 90,000 buildings to over 50 countries. House kits are manufactured in Finland, the company’s own factory is located in Karstula. In 2022, Honkarakenne Group’s net sales were EUR 73,7 million, of which exports accounted for 25,6%. www.honka.com
