Palkkiseinä

Palkkiseinä, often translated as timber frame wall or log wall in English, refers to a type of building construction where the primary structural element is wood. Historically, this method has been prevalent in many cultures, particularly in regions with abundant timber resources. The basic principle involves creating a framework of vertical posts and horizontal beams, which are then filled in with various materials.

In traditional palkkiseinä construction, the infill could consist of wattle and daub, clay, stone, or even smaller timber pieces. The exterior might be finished with plaster, wood siding, or left exposed depending on the region and available materials. This method offers good thermal insulation properties when properly constructed and sealed.

Modern interpretations of palkkiseinä often involve prefabricated timber frames, where standardized wooden elements are assembled on-site. These modern timber frame walls can be insulated with materials like mineral wool or cellulose and clad with a variety of facade systems, offering a balance between traditional aesthetics and contemporary building standards. The sustainability of timber as a building material, being a renewable resource, is a significant advantage of this construction technique. Palkkiseinä construction is known for its relative speed of erection and its ability to create healthy indoor environments.