Monio High School and Cultural Centre, Finland’s first three-storey timber log public building, showcases a pioneering idea for large-scale Finnish wood construction. Designed by Helsinki-based AOR Architects, Monio is situated in the former garrison area in the centre of Tuusula’s Hyrylä district (Tuusula is part of the Helsinki metropolitan area). Monio’s design reflects the architectural character of the former garrison, drawing inspiration from its historic buildings. AOR Architects has created a distinctive multipurpose public building that connects a developing area of Hyrylä to the town centre.
A continuation of Finnish traditions
Monio continues the long tradition of log construction in the area surrounding Lake Tuusula (Hyrylä is located on the lake’s southern side). Lake Tuusula has been an artist's colony since the beginning of the 20th century. The area’s historic timber log buildings include several lakeside villas that were home to a community of Finland’s national artists in the early 1900s. This was part of the “Golden Age of Finnish Art”, when a number of artists came together to exchange thoughts and ideas. In a similar manner, AOR Architects views Monio as a place in which its users can find inspiration, express themselves, and learn from each other.
An innovative use of industrial timber
The 8,773-square-metre high school and cultural centre, which used a total of 5,500 logs, presents a new way of employing industrial timber logs on a large scale. Structural engineering firm AINS Group (A-Insinöörit) illustrates the size of the project: “If lined up end to end, the logs used in the building would stretch 25 kilometres, the length of the hiking route around Lake Tuusula.”
Monio consists of six interconnected log houses, linked by a network of interior streets and walkways. Each house has a steep gable roof and each roof comes together to form a single structure. The building’s load-bearing frame comprises glulam columns and diagonals, steel WQ beams, and concrete elements. Kerto Ripa wooden elements (laminated veneer lumber) are used for the intermediate floors.
The log walls, which are separate from the load-bearing frame, form both the exterior walls and internal partitions. They are constructed from 275 x 263 millimetre cross-laminated, non-settling logs, designed to resist movement over time and support the building’s dimensional stability. A tight fit and advanced sealing technique help minimise air leakage and improve insulation, while the exposed timber surfaces reduce the need for additional interior and exterior finishes.
Concrete was used for the basement, stairwells, and lift shaft. The wooden roof is finished with galvanised sheet metal and entrance porticos facing the courtyard are clad in brick.
A multipurpose venue
Monio is shared by several user groups: the building functions as a high school during the day and its spaces are used by the local music school, arts school, community college, and Tuusula’s cultural services. From the perspective of AOR Architects, combining a range of functions within one shared building ensures better facilities for everyone when compared with a number of separate spaces. The building’s ground floor houses public-facing functions, including a small auditorium, a larger hall for events and sports, a gallery, and cafe. Classrooms are organised around the upper levels and open study/communal areas overlook the atrium.
Rated energy class A
Each log house in Monio is equipped with an HVAC system, and fresh air is drawn in through concealed intakes behind small grilles on the facades. The building is heated via carbon neutral district heating, and approximately 500 square metres of rooftop solar panels provide additional energy. Monio is rated energy class A.
