Indoor air quality issues in schools and nurseries cause health concerns for users and additional headaches for municipal decision-makers. Where can temporary facilities be found quickly before renovations or the planning and construction of a new building?
Wood construction and log learning environments offer cost-effective and versatile solutions, both for permanent use and as temporary facilities. As needs change, a modular log building can either be relocated or adapted for a new purpose.
Flexible school solutions for changing municipal needs
UPM Timber and DEN Group, Finland’s largest small house builder, understand the benefits of wood construction. The latter’s Finnlamelli brand is particularly well known for log houses, schools, and nurseries.
"Conventional modular or container schools and other temporary facilities don’t always meet the needs of students and municipalities. A log-built learning environment provides flexible space solutions," says Markku Uotinen, Procurement Director at DEN Finland Oy.
Large, expensive, and lengthy school projects are not always the best response to indoor air issues and urgent needs. Log construction enables practical space solutions, particularly in areas where student numbers are declining. A well-designed modular log building can be relocated to where it is needed or repurposed for other uses.
For example, the city of Nivala in Finland implemented a relocatable modular log extension to the Pirttiranta nursery. The extension is modular, meaning that parts of the building can be moved elsewhere, or the building itself can be repurposed into terraced housing.
Cost-effective log learning environment
According to Tero Havinen, responsible for the sales of Finnlamelli learning environments and public buildings, a log-built learning environment brings cost savings to municipalities. The construction costs alone are competitive compared to renting modular units.
"Instead of a municipality first paying rent for a temporary building and then constructing a new school, a log building remains as a long-term asset for the municipality," says Havinen, who, during his long career as a principal, has been involved in solving the space needs of multiple schools.
Health-supporting and comfortable learning environment
Log is a natural and breathable wood material known for its excellent indoor air quality and its ability to enhance well-being and comfort.
"The condition of a log structure or ventilated crawl space is easy to assess even visually, which increases trust among students, staff, and parents—especially in schools or nurseries with previous air quality problems," Havinen notes.
According to Havinen, the planning of a log-built learning environment is based on collaboration, incorporating the perspectives and ideas of the staff.
"This way, we create a learning environment that is acoustically, visually, and aesthetically calming, as well as pedagogically functional – tailored to support the specific school’s educational approach while ensuring accessibility."
Long lifecycle for log schools
A log school or a nursery also supports municipal environmental goals. UPM Timber sawmills have PEFC (PEFC/02-34-05) and FSC™ Chain of Custody (FSC C086359) certificates, which are a sign of sustainable forestry.
"A log building, made from renewable wood resources, acts as a carbon storage. Its versatile uses and relocatability extend the building’s lifecycle, making log construction a sustainable choice," says Elina Alander, Senior Manager responsible for strategic projects and customer experience at UPM Timber.
Log schools and nurseries combine health benefits, cost efficiency, and longevity, making them an ideal choice for municipal space needs. Even as temporary facilities, log learning environments are investments that support education, well-being, and sustainable development.
Benefits of a temporary log school or a nursery for municipalities
Fast delivery and installation
A log building can be delivered in as little as 16 weeks and installed up to the roofing stage in just a few days.
Cost-effectiveness
A more affordable alternative to rented temporary units since the building can be reused elsewhere or repurposed.
Long lifespan
Log buildings are durable and long-lasting.
Relocatability and adaptability
A log building can be easily modified or moved to a new location.
Health-supporting indoor air
Provides a safe and health-supporting learning environment, especially crucial in urgent situations when spaces with poor air quality need to be replaced.
Pedagogically functional
The learning environment is designed in collaboration to meet educational needs.