Small flats and detached houses are attracting an increasing number of people planning to build. Kuusamo Log Houses’ range offers suitable options for those dreaming of a small log home.
The number of families wanting to live in their own homes near urban centres has recently increased the demand for small log houses. Plots in cities and growth centres are usually very small, so the houses need to be compact in size as well. In this article, we discuss why a log home is one of the most natural building options for such areas.
A small log house can be found in our range
In urban areas, the size of plots also favours smaller living spaces. Kuusamo Log Houses’ most typical detached house projects in urban areas range from 100 to 130 square metres, but demand and interest in even smaller houses has been steadily increasing. Nikolaus Määttä, who works as a Kuusamo Representative in Uusimaa, has become familiar with enquiries about small houses.
– Most new plots in the capital region are small, but their efficiency ratio is nevertheless reasonably high. The price of building land is constantly driving more efficient construction, making a small log house an attractive option, notes Määttä.
– The smallest log house in our house collection designed for residential use is 50 square metres in size, but for those interested in a smaller log house, one option is to adapt a suitable model from our holiday home range into a home suitable for residential use.
– Kuusamo Log Houses’ smallest holiday home models are 32 square metres, but for a functional small home, we nevertheless recommend slightly more living space so that all the requirements of permanent living can be incorporated into the small home. When converting a holiday home into a small home, the structures must be designed and built in accordance with building and energy regulations. Planning regulations also have a significant impact on the implementation of the construction project and must be checked immediately when planning the project.
– In practice, the biggest changes involved in converting a holiday home for residential use are careful spatial planning and updating the structures to meet the requirements of permanent living. Energy efficiency requirements are a key consideration. In addition, sufficient room heights as well as dimensioning and accessibility requirements must be taken into account, Määttä notes.
Customisability allows room for your own personal touch
Kuusamo Log Houses’ standard models can also be customised to suit your own needs and wishes.
– Every building we deliver reflects the customer’s style and is individually tailored, with careful attention paid to their needs. Whether the starting point is one of our own models or a project based on the customer’s own drawings.
The vast majority of Kuusamo Log Houses’ customers are aware in advance that it is possible to make individual changes to the log house models.
– However, the extent of this customisation comes as a pleasant surprise to many. One customer even said that there are so many options that it’s almost overwhelming, laughs Määttä.
You can actually make virtually any changes you wish to Kuusamo Log Houses’ models – enlarge windows, move partition walls, alter the room layout or roof shapes. Every log house delivered is therefore a unique individual. In fact, Kuusamo Log Houses has noted that they have probably never delivered two log buildings that are exactly the same. For example, the same house model can be built to look very traditional or, with different technical solutions, as a thoroughly modern design.
A small log house charms in Puistola, Helsinki
One of the smallest two-storey homes supplied by Kuusamo Log Houses can be found in Puistola, Helsinki. As is often the case in the capital region, the size of the house was limited primarily by the small plot.
– The homeowner had thought through the details very ingeniously during the design phase, and the aim was to make the most of every inch of space and avoid wasted square metres, says Määttä, pointing, for example, to the additional storage spaces built into the stair treads.
– We had to work to an exceptionally tight schedule on this project, and as the client already had a building permit, the materials were on site within two months of our initial contact. It goes without saying that the client was extremely satisfied, says Määttä.
Take a look at the small log home in Puistola in this video presentation!
The eco-friendliness and energy efficiency of log timber are surprising
Määttä also highlights the excellent properties of timber, which are worth considering when planning a new home – whether you’re dreaming of a larger or smaller detached house.
– Log is a safe, single-component material that is extremely eco-friendly and energy-efficient. The speed at which a log home can be built comes as a surprise to many. A log house can be erected to provide ‘shelter from the elements’ in as little as a few weeks, which offers a cost advantage compared to other types of construction, notes Määttä.
– Many people don’t realise just how airtight log buildings actually are. Today’s log houses are energy-efficient, thanks to the precision with which the logs are machined and technically effective joint insulation solutions. When the logs, windows, external doors and all vapour barriers are installed with care, the log house becomes extremely airtight.
A small log house can also be transformed in many ways through various structural solutions. With individualised modifications, a log house can be made to look traditional or, conversely, very modern.
Small log house models
You’ll find several small log house options among our new models. Take a look, for example, at the Kolo 50 and Kaste 73 models.
The Log Home Enola 75 is a small, one-bedroom log house. The home has everything you need, and the space is used efficiently.
The small Log Home Tyyni 82 is a timelessly stylish two-bedroom log house. Its modern design also suits urban settings well.
The Holiday Home Pesä 67 can also be adapted into a small log home. Contact a Kuusamo Representative!
