Timber involved in major cultural project

Modern wooden church to be built with 18th century methods

The village of Kärsämäki in northern Ostrobothnia has embarked on a remarkable project that's being talked about in many parts of the world. The local parish is to build a modern wooden church using working methods dating back to the 18th century. No use will be made of electricity, concrete or water from the mains supply, and all tools will be made by hand. Timber is acting as the principal sponsor for this ambitions project.

Kärsämäki parish, the local council and the department of architecture at the University of Oulu will together build a modern wooden church close by Kärsämäki's old wooden church (1765 - 1841). The idea orginally came from Panu Kaila, an architect and special researcher at the University of Oulu. "The new church will consist of a core of hewn timbers surrounded by a shingled-faced "cloak" blackened by means of tar", explains Jorma Niinikoski, vicar of the parish. The design has been produced by Anssi Lassila, an architecture student at the University of Oulu.

The church will be built using 18th century building techniques and working methods. "The work will be done as a team effort and provide practical experience for schools and colleges in the area. The timber will come from the parish's own forests. the 500 cubic metres of aspen we'll need for the roofing shingles will be supplied by UMP-Kymmene Timber. In fact, Timber's support is vital to the entire project", says Niinikoski.

The exact location for the new church was decided in June. Preparations for construction began back in the spring: timbers were treated with pitch and ground surveys carried out. Local art and vocational colleges and the department of architecture of the University of Oulu will arrange workshops and teaching sessions in conjunction with most stages of the work.

International importance

Kärsämäki's project has aroused considerable interest, not just in Finland but also interntionally. When complete, the church will be an architectural monument and a tourist attraction, and at the same time an excellent example of how old building methods were brought back to life.

"This church project gives Timber an opportunity to support an internationally important cultural project that strongly features timber construction. It emphasizes the tradition of skill, together with requirements for high quality combined with sustainable values, all of which are important for UPM-Kymmene Wood Products", comments Kari Makkonen, President of the division. "We'll be looking to benefit from our 3-year sponsorship agreement in as many ways as possible. Our units should also use the agreement by arranging their own events and visits. People can be taken to Kärsämäki to see the traditions of timber construction combined with modern architecture. I'm sure the project will interest our customers and partners both in Finland and abroad", says Makkonen.