Tectonics and architectonic quality in recently published Finnish log architecture: Corresponding architects’ perceptions

Matti Lakkala,Janne Pihlajaniemi

doi:10.1016/j.foar.2021.07.005

Abstract

Due to the global increase in wood construction, it is crucial for architects to understand wood. In Finland, log building, a special subset of industrially manufactured massive timber construction materials is experiencing a renaissance. Cultural aspects combined with newer technical developments make log a complex material from the viewpoint of architectonic expression. To inform practicing architects, the aim of this study is to explore how the tectonics of logs contribute to the architectonic quality of log architecture. Semi-structured interviews among architects of twelve recently published log buildings are conducted. The results describe how architectonic quality is perceived among participants, and features of logs related to tectonics that they consider to be of importance in terms of architectonic quality. These features include the statics of log construction and log's nature as a simultaneously insulating, load-bearing and visual material. Differences between industrial and hand-hewn logs, as well as other architectural aspects of using logs in contemporary architecture are discussed. Especially the “non-settling” log was perceived to have manifold implications for the architectonic possibilities of log architecture. The results are of practical importance to designing architects and the log industry. Theoretical implications include tangible information on architectonic quality and tectonics of log building.

Highlights

In the 2000s, new building systems for solid wood have elevated wood to a versatile construction material for various building types, offering significant environmental, construction and aesthetic advantages (Mayo, 2015)
Perceptions related to the tectonics of logs and the architectonic quality among corresponding architects of such log buildings, that represent architectonic quality, have been mapped
Results showcase how architectonic quality is perceived among participants, and features of log architecture related to tectonics that the participants perceive to contribute to architectonic quality

Summary

Introduction

In the 2000s, new building systems for solid wood have elevated wood to a versatile construction material for various building types, offering significant environmental, construction and aesthetic advantages (Mayo, 2015). As part of global development with mass timber architecture, the use of industrial log construction has over the last decade become increasingly popular in Finland (Lakkala and Pihlajaniemi, 2019). Built examples utilizing industrial logs indicate that this popularity applies to larger buildings, such as schools or day care centres; some of these appear later in this study. While this study deals with contemporary log architecture, the vernacular origins of this construction technique and material should be noted. Interest in vernacular building and its use in contemporary architecture has been increasing in recent research across the world (Golden, 2018; Nguyen et al, 2019). It remains somewhat problematic to combine the traditional with the modern in the contemporary architectural discourse (Rashid and Ara, 2015)

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