harkko

Harkko is a Finnish term with more than one meaning. Most commonly, harkko denotes a concrete block used in masonry. Concrete blocks of this type are standard building units for walls, foundations, and partitions in Finland and other Nordic countries. They are typically made from concrete or aerated concrete and can be hollow or solid. Hollow varieties improve insulation and reduce weight, while solid blocks provide higher structural strength. Harkko blocks are laid in courses with mortar, and their size and composition vary among manufacturers and construction traditions. In modern practice, they are often used in combination with insulation, reinforcing bars, and concrete frames to meet thermal and load requirements.

In addition to its architectural meaning, harkko is also a masculine given name in Finland. It is used as an independent name and can function as a nickname or short form for longer names; it has appeared in Finnish name records since the late 20th century and reflects Finland's trend toward compact, distinctive given names.