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Scandinavian log homes – where tradition meets modern technology
Ville Kongas May 19, 2025 1:15:07 PM
Finland is the most-forested country in Europe, and the Finns are experts at building their houses from wood. As timber construction techniques have developed over the years, today’s modern log cabins combine a traditional feel with cutting-edge architectural engineering.
Thanks to industrial processes, timber is now processed mechanically. At the same time, insulation and heating technologies have been improved to better meet modern housing standards.
With a PolarHouse log cabin, you can combine the warm atmosphere of a log house with modern architecture and insulation technology, in a sleek, energy-efficient way.
PolarHouse has been working on its solutions for more than 25 years. We are inspired by the traditional northern log cabins, and rooted in modern timber construction. Our log houses use sturdy log panels on both the exterior and interior walls, and the warmth of the house is ensured by insulation installed between the logs.
A modern mansion or a log cabin in the woods?
Modern log cabins are characterised by spacious floor plans, high-ceilings and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. With large windows, you have the opportunity to experience nature up close. For us Finns, being close to nature is an important part of living.
When thinking of a traditional log cabin, most of the surfaces – floors, ceilings, partition doors and kitchen cupboards – are made of wood. In a modern log cabin, timber can be used in different ways, giving a more varied look. Wooden surfaces can be complemented with painted partition walls and other modern solutions. Different floor material choices and insightful colour combinations in kitchens and bathrooms are also modern alternatives to all-wooden surfaces.
Not having to worry about your holiday home while you’re away is another aspect of modernity. It is often said that a log house in year-round use should have a log thickness of at least 20 cm. In a PolarHouse thermal log cabin, the thermal insulation is placed in the actual frame structure, insulating more effectively than even the thickest solid log. This allows for even the simplest choice of heating – electric – to be used and be easily adjustable with a “home and away” switch.
PolarHouse’s thermal logs – an alternative to laminated or solid logs
PolarHouse’s thermal logs are an innovative log structure that combines the natural feel of solid wood with modern insulation.
They’re more energy-efficient than a solid log made from a single piece of wood or a laminated log glued together from several pieces of wood.
CHARACTERISTICS | LAMINATED LOG | SOLID LOG | POLARHOUSE THERMAL LOG |
---|---|---|---|
STRUCTURE |
Log lamellas glued together |
An entire log, no gluing |
Innovative structure combining the natural feel of wood with modern insulation technology |
ENERGY EFFICIENCY |
Fair |
Traditional style; inferior thermal insulation |
Excellent; more energy-efficient than a traditional laminated log |
AIRTIGHTNESS |
Good when new |
Varies; cracks are possible |
Excellent; maintains shape, no heat leaks |
ECOLOGICAL ASPECTS |
Wood-based, adhesive layer between lamellas |
100% natural material |
Ecological; better insulation reduces energy waste |
BREATHABILITY |
Good |
Good |
A good, sturdy log panel balances humidity variations as well as thick logs |
DESIGN |
Allows for different styles |
Appearance of a traditional log house; compression allowance to be considered |
Modern and adaptable; adapts to many different styles |
Modern log cabins – dream homes for every landscape
Looking for a new wooden house or a contemporary log cabin? PolarHouse Scandinavian log homes are a great fit for both the city and the countryside. Get an ideal home combining the traditional feel of a log cabin with modern elements.
Read more about our dream homes and what our customers have to say.