Articles | Wood Products

The use of wood in hospital construction supports convalescence

1.7.2014

Wood has begun to be popular in hospital construction, as it supports convalescence, reduces stress and raises spirits. For example, in the development work for the Kajaani Hospital project the use of wood is a strong feature. According to Marjut Wallenius, a Docent and Doctor of Psychology at the University of Tampere, the use of wood in service centres for the elderly and in hospital construction promotes the health and well-being and the mind and body. - I also throw down a challenge to architects and structural designers and express the hope that wood can be left visible in interiors, says Wallenius.

Wood at the heart of well-being construction

11.6.2014

- Of all materials, wood in particular has positive effects on people’s well-being. Wood has been proven to have a positive effect on, for example, the quality of indoor air, humidity balance, comfort and acoustics, says interior architect Heikki Lindroos. The ‘RED with Wood’ research project at Kymenlaakso University of Applied Sciences is investigating factors that influence a healthy environment, and studying new applications for wood in well-being construction. According to project leader, Heikki Lindroos, the built environment’s major influences on people go unnoticed regrettably often.

Wood construction reduces stress and offers a healthy living environment

14.5.2014

- Wood has psychological effects on people and a similar stress-reducing effect to nature, says Marjut Wallenius, a Docent and Doctor of Psychology at the University of Tampere. The use of wood promotes the health and well-being of mind and body.

Wood comes to design

9.4.2014

According to Finnish interior architect, Tapio Anttila, interest in the development of product brands based on wood is growing strongly. Anttila who has been recognised with many international design awards has been revamping the planning and design of the use of wood in co-operation with the young generation of designers. Tapio Anttila has been creating the concept and project of Woodism, which gives the floor to young designers to speak on behalf of new experimental forms of using wood. The working group is designing and making furniture and utensils from trees that have fallen in gardens and parks.

Vice-President of the European Commission Olli Rehn: Wood construction meets the climate challenge for Europe

24.3.2014

In the opinion of Olli Rehn, Vice-President of the European Commission and member of the Commission responsible for Economic and Monetary Affairs and the Euro, wood construction meets Europe’s greatest challenges of the future, such as reducing emissions from construction and promoting the efficiency of resources. - Although the construction industry is not subject to emissions trading, the promotion of wood construction can have significant effects in terms of reducing emissions, says Rehn. As new opportunities presented by wood construction, Rehn mentions the global reduction in CO2 emissions, promotion of the use of sustainable and natural materials and increasing the efficiency of resources in construction. - Promoting wood construction could have a significant impact, as the use of wood materials absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere, says Rehn.