tukikiviä

Tukikiviä, a Finnish term that translates to "support stones" or "bearing stones," refers to a construction element primarily used in traditional Finnish wooden buildings. These stones are typically large, flat, and irregular rocks that serve as the foundation for the wooden posts or beams of a structure. Instead of digging deep foundations, which could be problematic in areas with frost heave or difficult soil conditions, tukikiviä provided a stable and readily available base.

These stones were carefully selected and placed at ground level to distribute the weight of the building. They prevented the wooden elements from direct contact with the damp soil, thus reducing the risk of rot and decay. The use of tukikiviä was particularly common in log houses and other vernacular architecture, where simplicity and the use of local materials were paramount. The size and number of tukikiviä used would vary depending on the size and construction of the building. This method of foundation building allowed for relatively quick and straightforward construction, especially in rural settings where quarried stone or more complex foundation materials might not have been accessible. The practice reflects a deep understanding of local materials and environmental conditions in traditional Finnish building techniques.