Finnish Nature Centre Haltia – a striking reference in wood construction

Finnish Nature Centre Haltia in Nuuksio is a new type of nature centre that brings Finland’s nature together under one roof. The striking building was designed by architect Rainer Mahlamäki, and it is the first public building constructed entirely of wood and using CLT wood-element technology.

 

Haltia is built from large CLT-based elements. The cross-laminated solid wood panels, or CLT, were manufactured at Stora Enso’s mill in Austria and further processed into large CLT-based elements in Pälkäne. The 5,200 m² element delivery included exterior walls, partition walls, intermediate floors and roof elements, as well as glulam beams for the roof and balcony structures. In addition to CLT, parts of the suspended ceilings and partition walls in the interior use 19 mm three-layer panels as decorative material, a product similar to CLT.

 

Apart from the underground basement level, Haltia’s load-bearing structures and cladding are made of wood. The building was cost-effective to construct, as the load-bearing structure and the visible surface are made from the same CLT panel. Thanks to the CLT, the building is airtight, moisture-safe, and has strong thermal and acoustic performance.

 

Haltia is a three-storey exhibition and event centre that showcases the nature of all Finland. The centre includes a restaurant, environmental education activities, meeting services and hiking advisory services. Haltia opened to the public at the end of May 2013. Explore Haltia >