Flishuset is a story of breathing new life into an old, dilapidated woodchip house. Completing the transformation of an old sawmill into museum and event grounds, Flishuset will complement the current facilities with two open and flexible spaces for art exhibitions, events, meetings, and educational purposes.The project carefully balances preservation, reinterpretation, and sustainability within a historically sensitive context.

The building is characterized by its exposed structural system, which is an interpretation of the traditional barn construction employed in the original woodchip house. Connected through traditional joinery techniques, the structural members communicate a history of craftsmanship while contributing to a warm atmosphere, ornamented by a rich play of light and shadow.

Taking inspiration from the original building’s mechanical hoist up doors, the facade has been equipped with a series of barn doors and shutters. When shut, the building appears as it did originally, entirely closed to its surroundings, filtering rays of light through the gaps in the cladding. When open, the barn doors give way to generous facade openings, permitting new activities and programs to exist within.

Sustainability and low-carbon strategies 
The building is constructed entirely of timber, significantly reducing its embodied carbon footprint. All structural wood was locally felled, sawn, dried, and planed, minimizing transportation emissions and strengthening regional supply chains. Premium-grade timber was used for load-bearing elements, ensuring durability and longevity.

Material reuse 
During demolition, all salvageable components were carefully catalogued and preserved. Original roof rafters were restored and reintegrated into the new structure. The interior staircase was crafted from reclaimed barn floor planks, and the exterior bridge was constructed entirely from elements of the former structural system. This approach not only reduced material waste but also preserved the tangible memory of the site.

Innovative sustainable materials
Wood-fiber insulation replaced conventional synthetic insulation, natural vapor barriers were used instead of plastic membranes, and wood-fiber wind barriers were installed across the building envelope. Even the fasteners reflect the project’s environmental ambition: beech wood nails were used in place of metal wherever possible, demonstrating a commitment to bio-based detailing at every scale.

Architectural heritage and identity
Local craftsmen, with deep expertise in traditional building techniques, were central to the project’s execution, bringing passion and artisanal skill to each phase. This approach not only preserves invaluable craftsmanship knowledge but also fosters a sense of pride, collaboration, and ownership among the artisans. As a result, the Woodchip House embodies the architectural heritage and identity of the community, serving as a physical and cultural marker of local history, craft, and expertise. Careful attention was given to the reuse of all viable original materials, reinforcing the connection to its industrial past.

The finished building provides two open, flexible spaces designed for art exhibitions, events, and educational activities, creating versatile environments that welcome engagement from individuals, community groups, schools, and businesses, thus enhancing the site’s role as a dynamic cultural and social hub.