seinätyypistä

Wall type, known in Finnish as seinätyypistä, refers to the classification and construction method of walls in buildings. These classifications define the wall’s structural role, materials, and purpose, and they range from load‑bearing external walls to non‑load‑bearing interior partitions.

Load‑bearing walls are designed to support the structure above them and are typically made from masonry, concrete, steel frame or heavy timber. They must meet stringent strength requirements and are usually located at the edges of a building. In contrast, non‑load‑bearing or partition walls do not support the roof or other structural loads; they are commonly constructed from wood studs, drywall, glass, or lightweight panels. Partition walls are used to divide interior space and can be either fixed or movable.

A cavity wall, a common feature in modern construction, consists of two outer layers with a hollow core, providing thermal and acoustic insulation. Its performance depends on the choice of fill material, such as sand, loose stone, or foam. In energy‑efficient buildings, insulated concrete forms (ICFs) and solid board walls with high thermal mass are frequently employed to reduce heat loss.

Specialty walls include fire‑resistant walls, which use gypsum or cementitious materials to resist flame spread, and sound‑proof walls, which incorporate dense blocks or acoustic panels. In addition, green wall systems now use salvaged timber or engineered panels with integrated insulation and drainage.

Understanding these distinct wall types enables architects and builders to select materials that meet structural, fire, acoustic, and environmental performance requirements, ensuring safe and efficient buildings.