puuhella

Puuhella is a Finnish term that can refer to a variety of heated structures. Most commonly, it refers to a type of fireplace or stove, particularly one found in traditional Finnish homes. These structures are typically made of brick or stone and are designed to provide both heat and cooking facilities. A puuhella is central to the concept of a warm and comfortable living space in a Finnish context, especially during the cold winter months. Beyond residential use, the term can also encompass larger, more communal heating structures. Historically, saunas often featured a specialized type of puuhella, designed to heat the stones for steam. The construction and design of a puuhella can vary significantly depending on its intended use and the available materials. The word itself is a compound of "puu," meaning wood, and "hella," which relates to heating or a stove. Therefore, a puuhella is fundamentally a wood-fired heating apparatus.