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Wooden construction has a long tradition in Finland, and many people are familiar with the steps involved in building a traditional solid-log or laminated-log house. Insulated log construction is perhaps a lesser-known method in log building, but it is unmatched in terms of energy efficiency. The thermal log structure will change your perception of log construction, as it combines the best features of a timber-framed house and a log house.
Throughout its history, PolarHouse has focused exclusively on the manufacture of thermal log houses. Thanks to the thermal log structure (U-value 0.17 W/m²K), a modern log house can be built without the problems inherent in wood, such as log settling and movement caused by wood drying.
Learn more about PolarHouse's high quality.
In this article, we’ll cover:
• how much it costs to build a log house
• how the construction of a log house progresses
• what a modern log house looks like
A modern log house with a thermal log wall structure
The construction of a thermal log home goes beyond a simple log frame. In PolarHouse thermal log homes, warmth is ensured by a non-settling vertical frame (198 mm) filled with wood fiber insulation or mineral wool. A wood-based wind barrier board provides wind insulation. An air gap on the outside of the frame ensures ventilation and durability of the wall structure.
The beautiful and refined appearance is created by carefully selected log material, which is attached to the frame using hidden nailing. The result is a nail-free, durable, and beautiful log surface.
How much does it cost to build a log cabin in Finland?
It’s important to compare prices for log homes carefully. Builders should compare the contents of the house package, not just the price. PolarHouse’s wood delivery package is very comprehensive and is designed to make construction easier. In addition to the house frame, doors, and windows, the house package delivery to the construction site includes products used for finishing, such as materials for interior walls, ceiling materials, interior doors, sauna wood components, terrace accessories, and trim. Thanks to this, the builder receives the right amount of materials on their lot at the right time and at a competitive price. Thanks to the comprehensive package, the builder has less hassle with competitive bidding or making additional purchases.
For PolarHouse, a house delivery means that the wall elements are prefabricated at the factory with the windows already installed and sealed into the panels. In addition to the wall elements, high-quality finishing products selected by the customer, such as exterior doors, interior doors, any stairs, wooden components for terraces and saunas, and trim moldings, are delivered to the construction site at the right time. Finishing products are delivered to the construction site only when they are needed on-site. This way, nearly all the necessary wood components are delivered to the construction site in a single order. PolarHouse’s delivery does not include built-in furniture or flooring materials, so you can select and solicit bids from suppliers for those yourself.
Price Example
Typically, the price of a PolarHouse home package ranges from 950 to 1,200 euros per square meter of floor area. For example, the price of a single-story modern detached house, the Tähkä 100 model, with PolarHouse’s comprehensive scope of delivery starts at 109,900 euros, including 25.5% VAT.
Which option is right for you: move-in ready vs. a home-building package
The turnkey model is based on standardization, which typically starts with a pre-designed model from a house manufacturer. Customization options may be limited, or you may have to pay extra for them.
With PolarHouse’s flexible design service, you can make the changes you want to the floor plans of the house models and avoid compromises during the design phase.
Another significant advantage of prefabricated construction is that you can select and compare contractors for the construction, electrical, HVAC, interior, and finishing work yourself from among local providers. This way, you know the people who are building your home and have more freedom over what the house will ultimately look like.
PolarHouse’s log home packages are competitively priced compared to move-in-ready log homes.
Here's how the construction process works for PolarHouse customers
Timeline for Building a Log House
1. Design and building permit application, approx. 3 months
2. Earthwork and foundations, 1 month
3. Erecting the prefabricated frame and completing the exterior, 1 month
4. Interior construction, installation of materials, and finishing, 3 months
Typically, PolarHouse vacation home projects are completed in 8–11 months.
PolarHouse is specifically responsible for the delivery and quality of the thermal log frame, but we’ll be by your side throughout the entire project. We provide expert guidance at every stage of construction and connect you with reliable local partners. Our goal is to make the construction process as smooth, predictable, and safe as possible for you from start to finish.
A modern log home adapteds to many styles
A log home can evoke the image of a space where everything from floor to ceiling is made of untreated wood. A modern log home offers flexibility in style choices and materials. It fits into many landscapes – from the archipelago to the foothills of the fells.
We help our customers choose color schemes for the exterior and interior surfaces of the building.
Handmade just for you
PolarHouse log homes are largely handcrafted, and the quality of the materials is checked several times throughout the process. The exterior of the house is pre-treated at the factory to the color shade specified by the customer. The joints of the sturdy log panels are also surface-treated, ensuring that the log surface remains smooth and beautiful.
Examples of completed PolarHouse log cabins
