The word is wood

As chief designer for the Jyväskylä Airport expansion, architect Riitta Soini loves the combination of timber and metal in modern architecture. Wood seems to be a particularly apt choice of material for Jyväskylä, reminding passengers as it does, of the sylvan countryside of central Finland and the region’s long traditions of wood refining and timber construction.

The most prominent feature of the renovated airport is a laminated timber canopy running the entire length of the facade, supported by imposing supporting arches of planed spruce. The curved underside of the canopy is sheathed in birch ply. The structure was designed and constructed in close collaboration with the materials suppliers in order to create a durable building.

“The ideas behind the structure continue the innovative Finnish tradition of building in wood,” says Soini. “For example, the care taken in producing the laminate ensures that it will withstand the changes in the weather.”

Planed and heat treated battens are used as the cladding for the terminal facade, while the interior is panelled in knot-free alder. The new check-in counters are finished in sugar maple veneer, while the furniture in the welcoming cafe is of formed plywood and represents the work of some of Finland’s most noted furniture designers.

If timber gives the airport its local identity, then its international flavour, which was also desired, is provided by the huge steel and glass wall that looks out onto the runway. It brings an expression of modern airport design to the architecture of Jyväskylä Airport. At the same time, the glass façade allows plenty of light into the cavernous terminal.