Historic log house in Finland demolished due to dilapidation, igniting debate on preservation of architectural heritage

A log house in the Saunavaara village in Pelkosenniemi, Finland was demolished after it was deemed too dilapidated by the local council. The property’s outbuilding was at risk of collapsing, and the main building was also considered too dangerous, according to the building inspector, Keijo Kotavuopio.

In April, Kotavuopio issued a demolition permit for the log house, despite it being part of a nationally significant built cultural environment (RKY). The house was a product of the reconstruction era, but it also contained elements of older construction traditions, such as six-pane windows according to the old Lappish building model.

According to Kotavuopio, there were no discussions with museum authorities about the demolition permit because the building was in such poor condition. He did admit, however, that it was difficult to verify this condition before granting the permit in winter.

Miina Tolonen, a renovation construction expert at the Lapland Provincial Museum, believes that consultation with local responsible museums or the Museum Board should always be sought when dealing with RKY areas.

“Whenever something is demolished, a piece of future architectural heritage is lost. It’s a shame that these weren’t repaired and reused,” Tolonen commented.

In addition to the demolished building in the RKY area, another log main building from the same property in the Saunavaara village has been demolished. It was located across the Kemijärvi road outside the RKY area and had been granted a demolition permit in 2022.

The logs from both buildings have been taken to the Apukka Resort for reuse. Tolonen, who plans to visit the demolished houses on Thursday, believes that even the second house would have been historically valuable as part of a larger whole.