Äänekoski visitor centre Pro Nemus showcases engineered wood

Metsä Group has opened its new visitor centre, Pro Nemus, in Äänekoski, Central Finland. The 1,000 m2 facility is designed to showcase rapid construction using wood materials, specifically employing Metsä Wood's Kerto LVL (laminated veneer lumber) products. The building integrates industrially manufactured wood elements with unique architectural designs and detailed carpentry.

The primary structural frame of the building consists of wooden columns and beams made from Kerto LVL. Prefabricated wall, floor, and roof elements are also constructed using Kerto LVL. Throughout the facility, wood materials and many of the structural engineering details have been left exposed as part of the exhibition. Wood products have also been incorporated into the interior design and visual elements.

The construction of Pro Nemus was completed in seven months. Challenges included meeting a tight schedule and implementing architectural details with high precision. Effective planning and cooperation among all parties were crucial for the project's success. The use of prefabricated Kerto LVL components, delivered cut to specific dimensions, significantly enhanced construction efficiency.

The visitor centre was designed by UKI Architects, with structural engineering provided by Sweco Finland Oy. VVR Wood supplied the frame elements, and Punkaharjun Puutaito handled the specialized CNC machining for wall elements. This collaborative network of expert companies facilitated the development of competitive, industrially produced wood construction solutions.