KONTIO
From it's beginnings in the early 1970's as a small, family run sawmill Kontio (Kontiotuote Oy to quote its full name) has grown to become the worlds largest manufacturer of massive wood buildings by volume and sales.
Kontio, using its knowhow and experience, has led from the front to develop new technologies which lead to extended design opportunities - taking massive wood buildings beyond the conventional.
Above - Kontios plant in Pudäsjarvi, Finland
KONTIO
Finnish for bear
In Finnish mythology, Otso (also known as Karhu, Ohto, Kontio, Metsän kuningas, and Mesikämmen) is a bear, the sacred king of animals and leader of the forest and a deeply respected, even feared, spirit of the forest. It was believed to be a supernatural and holy ancestral being.
The Brown bear Ursus Arctus, is Finlands national animal, according to the latest data there are around 2,300 to 2,500 Brown bears, they co-exist with other top predators such as wolves and wolverines and together, they are symbols of the health of Finnish forests.
Left - Ursus Arctus, Brown bear (credit Elizabeth Myers, https://unsplash.com/)
Mustio Manor, built in the 1780s and located in Southern Finland.
Constructed from massive wood by a nobleman, on the advice of his doctor on health grounds, this stunning example of a massive wood structure has seen members of the Swedish Royal family staying here, along with composers and other visitors from nobility.
Today it stands as a reminder of the grandeur and splendour of times past in the form of a museum, restaurant, wedding venue and as an example of the longevity available from massive wood buildings, but is by no means the oldest structure of its kind.
Left - Mustio Manor, Svartå, Finland