From Venice to Finland – Continuing the Architectural Dialogue
International architects visit Kontio following the Venice Architecture Biennale
The Venice Architecture Biennale is the world’s most prestigious architectural event, bringing together leading architects and design professionals from around the globe. The 19th International Architecture Exhibition took place from 10 May to 23 November 2025.
Kontio participated as the main partner of the Pavilion of Finland exhibition, The Pavilion – Architecture of Stewardship, produced by Archinfo. During the six‑month Biennale period, approximately 298,000 tickets were sold, and the Finnish Pavilion attracted around 140,000 visitors, gaining strong international visibility and highly positive feedback from both the public and the professional architectural community.
From Venice to Finland – Continuing the architectural dialogue
As part of its Biennale activities, Kontio organized a prize draw for international architects interested in log construction and contemporary timber architecture. The prize was a two‑person familiarization visit to Finland and Kontio.
The winner was French architect Sidonie Horvais, who visited Finland together with her colleague Cécile Marteau. The visit offered a unique opportunity to experience Nordic log architecture first‑hand in its authentic context.
The architects stayed at the luxury boutique Hotel Iso‑Syöte, built using Kontio’s log structures, where architecture, nature, and northern design meet. The program also included a full‑day visit to Kontio’s production facilities, providing insight into modern log construction, advanced manufacturing processes, and the principles of sustainable and durable Nordic timber architecture.
First‑hand experience of modern log architecture
The visit allowed the architects to deepen their understanding of how traditional log construction has evolved into a modern, high‑performance building solution suitable for contemporary architecture and international markets.
“During our stay, we had the pleasure of discovering Kontio in various ways. Visiting the factory and the surrounding projects allowed us to better understand log construction, its principles and advantages, and to do so in excellent company. It was inspiring to see how a traditional technique has been reinvented and modernized to meet the challenges of today’s construction.
Staying in the superb hotel in Iso‑Syöte allowed us to experience the quality of log buildings first‑hand, in a cozy yet luxurious atmosphere. As a bonus, we explored the beautiful Finnish landscapes and nature. We returned to France enriched by this new architectural knowledge, with Finnish landscapes filling our minds.”
— Sidonie Horvais & Cécile Marteau, Architects
Building global connections through timber architecture
The visit builds directly on the connections created during the Venice Architecture Biennale and strengthens Kontio’s dialogue with international architects. By inviting professionals to experience log architecture first‑hand, from production to completed buildings, Kontio supports meaningful exchange around sustainable, durable, and responsible timber architecture.
Kontio continues to collaborate with architects worldwide to develop future‑proof wooden architecture that combines Nordic expertise, design freedom, and environmental responsibility.
Visit Kontio in Northern Finland
Are you an architect, designer, or construction professional interested in contemporary log construction and Nordic timber architecture?
We warmly invite you to visit Kontio’s factory in Northern Finland and experience modern log architecture where it begins. From industrial production to realised architectural projects.
