If you are planning to build a house, you have almost certainly encountered the term U‑value. Simply put, the U‑value tells you how well a structure insulates heat. The lower the value, the less energy is required to heat your home – and the more ecological, comfortable and cost‑efficient it becomes.
This is why U‑values and ecological construction go hand in hand. A building’s real energy efficiency and carbon footprint are largely determined by how well its structures keep heat where it belongs: inside the home.
PolarHouse manufactures prefabricated houses using an advanced thermal log wall structure with a U‑value of just 0.17 W/m²K. This is a major improvement compared to laminated logs (approx. 0.53–0.60 W/m²K) or traditional solid logs (approx. 0.41 W/m²K).
In practical terms, this means more than 50 % lower heat loss compared to traditional log structures.
When heat stays inside the building, energy consumption and emissions decrease – and living truly becomes ecological. At the same time, heating costs go down and indoor comfort improves. If you want modern energy efficiency without sacrificing the authentic feel of a real log house, thermal log walls are the smart choice.
To achieve the same insulation performance as PolarHouse´s thermal log wall (U ~~ 0,17 W/m2K), a traditional solid log wall would need to be an impractical 600–800 mm thick. (Source: Puuinfo – U-value of log walls)
Large windows define today’s architecture, but they also play a significant role in a building’s energy performance. When a substantial part of the façade consists of glass, the U‑value of the windows becomes just as important as that of the walls.
By combining an energy‑efficient wall structure with high‑performance windows, you ensure that heat loss is minimized – even in demanding Nordic conditions.
PolarHouse homes are equipped with modern Kaski windows with U‑values as low as 0.66 W/m²K, providing excellent insulation without compromising on natural light or design. All Kaski windows also come with a 25‑year warranty, offering long‑term peace of mind.
True ecological construction means looking at the big picture. Walls, windows, doors, subfloor and roof structures must all work together. When every component performs at a top level, the result is a home that consumes less energy, costs less to heat and feels comfortable all year round.
When we talk about ecological construction, one fact stands above all others: wood is a natural, renewable material that stores carbon throughout its entire life cycle.
In thermal log construction, wood acts as an efficient insulator while adding a natural warmth and atmosphere that cannot be measured by technical values alone. Wood is also the only widely used building material that actively binds carbon, making it a powerful ally in reducing the environmental impact of construction.
Eco‑friendly building is not just about energy figures. It means low energy consumption, long service life, renewable materials and healthy indoor air. PolarHouse thermal log homes bring all these elements together – combining modern energy efficiency with the timeless advantages of solid wood construction.
Choosing energy‑efficient materials is good for the environment, but it also makes clear financial sense. Heating is one of the largest ongoing expenses in housing, especially in cold climates.
PolarHouse’s thermal log walls retain heat up to 50 % better than traditional log structures. This improved insulation can reduce total heating costs by approximately 10–15 %.
Since walls account for around 20–30 % of a building’s total heat loss, the superior U‑value of thermal log walls has a direct and lasting impact on your energy bills. Over time, these savings add up.
In practice, this can mean annual savings of hundreds of euros and tens of thousands of euros over the lifetime of the house. At the same time, energy use and emissions are reduced – making every saved euro a win for both your finances and the environment.
A thermal log house is therefore not only an ecological choice, but also a financially sound investment in the future.
As extreme weather conditions become more common, the quality of construction is more important than ever. With modern log building solutions, there is no need to compromise between sustainability and comfort.
In an ecological log house, indoor conditions remain stable, calm and draught‑free – even in Lapland’s 40‑degree frost.
The breathable log structure features 28 mm thick interior wall panels that store heat and release it slowly and evenly. This creates a naturally stable indoor climate throughout the year.
At the same time, the log structure regulates indoor humidity in a natural way, supporting healthier indoor air and overall well‑being. The result is a level of living comfort that goes far beyond what technical performance figures alone can describe.
Ecological construction is therefore also about quality of life. When a home insulates efficiently, breathes naturally and feels comfortable in every season, energy efficiency, sustainability and everyday comfort come together seamlessly.