Läpiviennirakenteisiin

Läpiviennirakenteisiin, or "exposed beam structures" in English, refer to a construction technique in which structural beams are left visible as a design feature. This method is common in Finnish architecture and is exemplified by the famous Tammisaari viiri (viiri building) from the 1960s. The term comes from the Finnish words läpiviini, meaning "transparent" or "see-through", and rakenne, meaning "structure". The approach blends structural integrity with aesthetic transparency, allowing occupants to observe the building’s skeleton.

In a typical läpiviennirakenteisiin design, steel or concrete beams are used as primary load-bearing elements. They are laid horizontally along the building’s span, often with a minimalistic cladding that preserves the beams’ visual prominence. This not only reduces material usage for walls and ceilings but also creates an open, airy interior space. Architects often choose sustainable materials like recycled steel or high-strength concrete to enhance environmental performance. Heating, ventilation, and lighting systems are routed around or within the beam framework, creating a cohesive structural and functional unit.

The benefits of läpiviennirakenteisiin include cost savings from reduced wall material, shorter construction time due to prefabricated elements, and a distinctive architectural statement. Critics note that the exposed beams may limit interior flexibility and require careful acoustic treatment. Nevertheless, the style remains popular in modern Finnish architecture, celebrated for its honesty of construction and innovative use of traditional building systems.