THE OUTDOOR SPACE THAT BRINGS SEURASAARI’S NATURE CLOSER

Located on the first floor, the outdoor area is designed to immerse visitors in the natural surroundings of Seurasaari Island. It’s a place where people can experience the ocean breeze, the trees, and the open sky while sitting on a simple folding chair and resting against a wooden panel. The space is meant purely for visitors to relax and connect with nature.

CONNECTION TO THE SKY

Glulam structures offer remarkable flexibility, allowing for the construction of diverse shapes and large spans. This technique enables the creation of wide, open spaces without the need for supporting columns. Beyond their structural advantages, glulam elements are visually appealing and retain a sense of elegance even when spanning long distances.

The roof design is elevated to allow natural light to enter the interior. This allows visitors not only to experience daylight while viewing Finnish timber artefacts but also to catch glimpses of the sky.

FROM FORESTS TO TOOLS: THE LEGACY OF FINNISH WOODCRAFT TRADITIONS

The museum also physically hosts abandoned Finnish timber tools to restore and preserve Finland’s log architectural heritage.

Traditional tools in Finland are often associated with the country’s historical livelihood practices, such as agriculture, forestry, fishing, and craftsmanship. One of the many displayed tools is the Finnish puukko, a versatile fixed-blade knife traditionally used for woodworking, hunting, fishing, and general utility. Additionally, the Finnish axe is a traditional tool in this collection, which is essential for forestry and woodworking. The Fiskars brand originated in Finland and is recognised worldwide for its high-quality axes.

GLULAM ELEGANCE: COMBINING DURABILITY, VERSATILITY, AND AESTHETICS

Timber demonstrates superior performance when loads are applied along its grain. As such, bending timber rather than cutting it can be a more efficient, durable, and structurally advantageous approach. Utilising bent glulam elements for both the exterior and roof makes it possible to construct robust structures from reclaimed log forms.

Glulam (glued laminated timber) offers notable versatility, enabling a wide variety of forms and dimensions. Beyond its structural merits, it provides visual appeal and retains a sense of elegance even when spanning considerable distances.

GROUND TO HANDLE: A JOURNEY THROUGH NATURAL ELEMENTS

The museum’s main entrance is designed using natural materials found on site, helping the building feel connected to its surroundings. As visitors approach, the flooring subtly hints at the granite lying beneath, encouraging a sense of place and curiosity.

The entrance door is made from zinc, a strong, weather-resistant metal that gives a modern, understated look. In contrast, the handle is crafted from oak, chosen for its warm and natural feel. This mix of materials creates a welcoming first impression—when visitors touch the oak handle, it adds a comforting, human quality to the experience.

Altogether, the entrance reflects a thoughtful design that blends natural elements with a sense of warmth and respect for the local environment.