NEGOTIATING TERRAINS: ADAPTING ARCHITECTURE ACROSS FOREST, GRANITE, AND SEA

The museum’s primary programs include collections of log construction and traditional tools, as well as an archive and reception area. The design evolves in response to the distinct requirements of each program, their spatial relationships, and the surrounding environmental conditions.

Spanning across coastal waters, granite formations, and forested areas, the project engages with diverse natural settings, each offering a unique character. A central focus of the design is how the architecture adapts to these varying terrains—the forest floor, rocky coastline, and water. The structural system is developed using a bending timber prototype derived from early material experiments, enabling the building to respond sensitively to different site conditions. Accordingly, the foundation design and material selection are adapted to suit the specific ecological context of each location.

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.