Renovation progresses at Three Crosses Church in Imatra, Finland amid challenges
Opened in 1958 and designed by Alvar Aalto, the Three Crosses Church in Imatra has suffered severe moisture damage and indoor air issues, rendering it unused for nearly four years. After years of waiting, the first phase of the church’s renovation is nearing completion. Updates have included new windows and doors, a newly plastered facade, and painted tower, while the roof, made mostly of recycled copper, is in progress and expected to finish within a month.
The renovation has encountered numerous unexpected challenges, a reality acknowledged by project manager Jari Nousiainen, even as he prepares for retirement. One major surprise was the window structure in the sacristy, which needed complete replacement due to severe decay discovered only during the demolition process.
The church’s unique feature is its 103 windows, with only two being identical. All windows were restored on-site without being transported elsewhere. Nousiainen points out that moisture issues are not attributed to Aalto’s architectural design but rather to the implementation and building supervision practices of the 1950s, including the omission of attic ventilation.
Recently, the church’s 34-meter-high tower was unveiled, appearing brighter and more impressive than ever. The planning for the second phase, focusing on interior renovations, is underway, but funding remains uncertain. If financing is secured, Nousiainen estimates that the church could reopen its renovated doors in about 18 months, once indoor air quality concerns are resolved.
Last spring, the Church Council awarded Imatra Parish approximately €760,000 for the first phase of repairs, while costs for the second phase remain undetermined. The church holds global significance, attracting numerous tourists and architecture students annually who come to admire its architectural solutions.