Relocation of Historic Log Buildings

Relocating a historic log building is one of the most demanding disciplines within building conservation. Today, it is a rare specialist skill that requires extensive practical experience, meticulous planning and a deep understanding of traditional timber construction.

The story of Trähus began more than 25 years ago when the company's founder, Thomas, relocated a historic village school from Ilmajoki to Tuusula. Since then, he has been involved in the relocation of five historic log buildings, developing unique expertise in documenting, dismantling, transporting and reassembling traditional timber structures.

Relocating a log building involves far more than simply taking it apart and rebuilding it elsewhere. One of today's greatest challenges is that, from a regulatory perspective, a relocated building is often treated as new construction. At the same time, the objective is to preserve the building's original character, proportions, materials and traditional methods of construction as faithfully as possible.

Achieving this requires balancing traditional building techniques with modern building regulations. Successful relocation projects demand expertise in natural ventilation systems, historic structures, building physics and energy performance. Carefully designed structural solutions and well-considered insulation strategies can, for example, make it possible to retain and reuse the original windows while still meeting modern performance requirements.

Every relocation project is unique, and our objective is always to preserve as much of the original building fabric and identity as possible. Although the building begins a new chapter in a new location, its history and spirit remain intact.

Our most recent relocation project involved a historic log building originally constructed in Lappeenranta. Following its careful relocation and restoration, the building has found a new home in Meilahti, Helsinki, where it continues its story for future generations.