When the challenge is to build energy-efficiently and with a small carbon footprint, the solution is to choose Finnish log as the frame material. This was also acknowledged by the City of Vantaa, a pioneer in carbon-neutral construction, which had Finland’s largest log-built daycare centre built in the Koivukylä district, with a total floor area of 2,450 m2. The healthy and functional log building with a delightful atmosphere was realised through a partnership by the log construction experts Hoivarakentajat and Honkarakenne.
A durable and energy-efficient building material
Municipalities and companies seeking sustainable construction solutions are increasingly choosing timber, a naturally low-carbon building material.
“As long-term carbon sinks, timber structures sequester carbon dioxide. A timber-framed building is thus an efficient carbon bank with a low carbon footprint,” says Jussi-Pekka Salmi, the project manager from Hoivarakentajat for the Koivukylä daycare centre.
The log-built daycare centre in Vantaa was constructed by Hoivarakentajat, the general contractor, and Honkarakenne. The construction project was initiated, designed, and executed by Hoivarakentajat Oy, with Honkarakenne serving as the component supplier for the building. A log house is a lasting inheritance for future generations. The carbon dioxide emissions caused by the production, transport and factory processing of raw materials (118 kg/m2) are significantly lower than the average for buildings (250 kg/m2).
“The small carbon footprint enabled by energy efficiency is also felt in the daily life of the daycare centre. For instance, thanks to the chosen heating solutions and smart building technology, the Koivukylä log-built daycare centre is 30 per cent more energy-efficient than other A-class daycare centres in Finland on average,” Salmi says.
As long-term carbon sinks, timber structures sequester carbon dioxide. A timber-framed building is thus an efficient carbon bank with a low carbon footprint.
Jussi-Pekka Salmi, the project manager from Hoivarakentajat
Pure log nurtures all the senses
In Koivukylä, the effects of the use of log are evident not only in energy efficiency but also in the comfort and safety of the daycare centre. Log creates an atmosphere in the building that is pleasing to all the senses. Timber is a naturally antibacterial material.
“Timber looks good, feels good and imparts a fresh wood scent to the space. Acoustically, a log house is tranquil. Sounds don’t bounce off log walls, which reduces the room’s noise level,” says Hoivarakentajat business director Kalle Kemppainen.
When it comes to a daycare centre, good indoor air quality is a particular priority.
“In terms of moisture control, log is a superior building material. It absorbs and releases indoor humidity, creating a pleasant and safe environment for children and staff alike,” Kemppainen explains.
In terms of moisture control, log is a superior building material. It absorbs and releases indoor humidity, creating a pleasant and safe environment for children and staff alike.
Kalle Kemppainen, Hoivarakentajat business director
Together nearly 50 log buildings built
The Koivukylä daycare centre was built in collaboration between Hoivarakentajat and Honkarakenne. The partnership model began in 2017 when they constructed a log-built daycare centre in the municipality of Aura.
“Central to our collaboration is Honkarakenne’s extensive experience with non-settling logs. Our partnership with a respected, responsible and well-known Finnish company has proven to be a highly effective solution,” says Kemppainen.
Initially, Honkarakenne, Hoivarakentajat and the Pilke päiväkodit daycare centre company signed a memorandum of understanding for 34 log-built daycare centres. The collaboration has yielded many more than this.
“We have already constructed 47 log buildings throughout Finland with Honka, with more currently under construction. In addition to daycare centres, there are log-framed nursing homes, schools, gyms, and even a municipal government office. In addition to Pilke, projects have been carried out in collaboration with municipalities, cities and private care operators,” Kemppainen explains.
Collaboration with Honkarakenne is profitable for the operators in the construction industry. Honka is a well-known brand, and its communication channels provide visibility for partners as well.
Honkarakenne’s partners gain competitiveness and convenience in construction
Over the years, the steadily refined collaboration between Hoivarakentajat and Honkarakenne has established efficient processes in construction.
The path from tenders to orders is straightforward. With a regular partner, operating procedures and delivery contents are clear.
“In the recent market upheavals, we have been able to maintain our competitiveness together. We do the planning together smoothly, and with a partner as flexible as Honka even changes at short notice are possible. And our architects are well versed in timber and its properties. With a reliable partner, the project is always in good hands even after construction,” Kemppainen says.
According to Jussi-Pekka Salmi, the Koivukylä daycare centre is unique in its size, making the construction technically challenging.
With Honkarakenne, however, it was easy to find solutions together and make the project easy and hassle-free for the client. In the projects executed by Hoivarakentajat and Honkarakenne, everything from planning to construction is handled with a single contract.
Contact our B2B Sales
Get in touch with Honka and get started with your project. We will contact you as soon as possible and help you out with your plan.
Your trusted partner in healthy and ecological construction
Honkarakenne Plc is a global pioneer in modern log building technology. The experience of delivering more than 90,000 log houses makes Honka a potential partner for architects, investors as well as for private house builders worldwide. Our experience extends from residential houses and holiday homes to schools, hotels and entire holiday villages from Finland to Japan to North America.
Honka Projects
Download this inspiring book with attractive examples of commercial and public projects all around the world, realised with the Honka log technology in harmony with nature.