Inspired by the culture of the Skogfinnish immigrants, the design features fireplaces, open floor plan and high roof ridges with the load bearing wood construction visible.

The aim is to exhibit the history and culture of the Skogfinner in a highly contextual building, while serving as a local meeting place and community centre.

URBAN POWER designed this competition entry and was awarded a shared 2nd prize. The competition had more than 200 entries from all over the world.

The vision for the project is to interpret the characteristics of Skogfinnish architecture, while still facilitating the functions of museum, meeting place, auditorium and restaurant. 

To achieve this, the design features a multi-functional core while creating more intimate atmospheres in the adjoined sections. 

Warmly lit and built with natural materials, each of the sections would present the visitor with a different view of the landscape; where one shows you the old village, the other displays the river and surrounding forest, further distinguishing the departments by look and function.