The Kuokkalan Kalo wooden apartment complex in Jyväskylä has won this year's Puupalkinto timber award. The award was announced Thursday during National Wood Day. The prize committee highlighted the building's traditional gable roof and cross-laminated timber foundation solutions.
Finland's timber construction awards recognize buildings that showcase wood's potential in modern architecture. The Kuokkalan Kalo complex stands in the Kuokkala district of Jyväskylä, a central Finnish city known for its architectural heritage.
Award organizers praised the project for maintaining timber construction traditions while meeting contemporary housing needs. The development features multiple wooden apartment buildings arranged in a cohesive neighborhood layout.
Finland continues to champion wood construction as part of its sustainable building strategy. The country's abundant forests provide raw materials for projects like Kuokkalan Kalo.
The annual timber awards help promote wood as a viable construction material for urban development. This recognition comes as more Finnish cities explore sustainable building options.
What makes this project stand out? The developers combined traditional techniques with modern engineering requirements. They created comfortable urban housing while honoring Finland's wood construction heritage.