Finnish architects Jaakko Kontio and Kalle Räike designed a striking modernist funeral chapel in the 1960s. Their Tainionkoski chapel now stands as one of Finland's most architecturally significant religious buildings. The National Heritage Board recommends protecting it under the Church Act, the strongest preservation status available.
Located in Karhumäki cemetery in South Karelia, the chapel represents bold modernist design. Officials describe it as exceptionally expressive by Finnish standards. Only about twenty funeral chapels nationwide hold this level of cultural significance.
The 1962 building remains the only chapel in South Karelia proposed for this protection level. Its architectural value transcends any name changes to the chapel or cemetery. The preservation proposal now moves to the National Board of Ecclesiastical Affairs for final decision.
This chapel demonstrates how Finland embraced international modernist movements while maintaining local character. The straightforward preservation process shows Finland's consistent approach to protecting important cultural heritage, regardless of a building's religious function.