Lumijoki Log School
- Extension to the Lumijoki primary school
- 2017 to 2018
- Scope 800 gross m2
- Location Lumijoki
- Client Lumijoki municipality, Rakennusliike Observo Oy
![](https://luoarkkitehdit.fi/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/project-lumijoen-hirsikoulu-00-1024x690.jpg)
Starting point
The Lumijoki log school is a fresh, modern approach to school buildings. The school’s themes ”healthy, traditional, log-built & modern learning environment” are reflected in all the design choices, from the big issues to the tiny details.
![](https://luoarkkitehdit.fi/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/project-lumijoen-hirsikoulu-5-1024x683.jpg)
Location
Together with the school’s main building and old, wooden heritage buildings, the new school creates a sheltered courtyard. The building has two log masses: one taking its direction from the main road and the other following the grid of the existing school buildings.
![](https://luoarkkitehdit.fi/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/project-lumijoen-hirsikoulu-12-1024x682.jpg)
Solution
Tradition was the guiding principle in the school’s construction methods. Hygroscopic interior materials even out the moisture of the indoor air: the log walls have mostly been left untreated, and the ceiling is wood magnesite panel.
![](https://luoarkkitehdit.fi/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/project-lumijoen-hirsikoulu-15-1024x683.jpg)
Wood materials have been used as much as possible, and plastic-based paints, carpets and films have been avoided. Classrooms do not have suspended ceilings: instead, all technical installations are visible.
![](https://luoarkkitehdit.fi/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/project-lumijoen-hirsikoulu-14-1024x683.jpg)
With traditional painted plank floors, the log school has a no shoes policy, making it a so-called “wool sock school”.
![](https://luoarkkitehdit.fi/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/project-lumijoen-hirsikoulu-1.jpg)
The classrooms are in two log masses. To ensure a healthy building and avoid moisture risks, all the classrooms are completely dry spaces. All the wet spaces of the building, like restrooms and hand-washing facilities, have been centralized in the middle of the building.
![](https://luoarkkitehdit.fi/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/project-lumijoen-hirsikoulu-13-1024x683.jpg)
Together with the school’s main building and old, protected wood buildings, the new school creates a sheltered village school style courtyard.
*photos Raimo Ahonen, **photos Kaari Photography