List of logs | Detached house

Kontio WoodHow™ – Over 50 Years of Log Construction Expertise

Kontio WoodHow™ represents world‑class expertise in log construction. It is Kontio’s way of building with wood, grounded in decades of accumulated knowledge, continuous product development, and advanced technical solutions that ensure reliable performance today and in the future.

Kontio’s journey as a log builder began in the 1970s. More than 50 years of experience, tens of thousands of completed buildings, and full control of the entire production chain—from carefully selected timber to a finished building—form the foundation of WoodHow™ expertise. When material selection, processing, design, and construction are carried out within one organization, quality is not a separate feature but an integral principle throughout the process.

WoodHow™ is also reflected in Kontio’s everyday product development. Structural systems, connection details, and manufacturing methods are continuously refined to meet demanding climatic conditions as well as the requirements of modern living. Technical solutions are not isolated components, but part of a carefully engineered whole that supports safety, durability, and long‑term living comfort.

Engineered from the right raw material

WoodHow™ begins with a deep understanding of wood as a structural material. Kontio uses carefully selected Nordic pine grown in the demanding conditions of Northern Finland. Slow growth, high density, and a high proportion of heartwood contribute to strength, durability, dimensional stability, and predictable long‑term performance in demanding climates.

Measured airtightness – proven Kontio WoodHow™ quality

One of the clearest and most tangible results of Kontio’s WoodHow™ expertise is the excellent airtightness of its buildings. Airtightness is not based on assumptions; it is regularly measured and documented through airtightness tests carried out by an independent external expert.

Kontio log buildings achieve airtightness results that are close to passive house standards. The average air leakage rate (qE50) of the measured buildings is 0.65, and more than half of the buildings fall below 0.6, a value typically associated with passive houses. These results demonstrate the high quality and technical excellence of Kontio’s patented product, the proven and settlement‑free SmartLog™ log structure.

Strong results are not achieved through material choices alone. Kontio’s investment in careful structural design, as well as clear and practical construction and sealing instructions, is clearly reflected in the end result. This is especially important in kit deliveries, where installation may be the responsibility of the customer. Through WoodHow™ expertise, knowledge is successfully transferred from design and factory production to on‑site construction.

High airtightness delivers tangible benefits in everyday living. Heating costs are lower, interiors are more draught‑free, and indoor temperatures remain more stable throughout the year. When ventilation functions as designed and structures remain dry, indoor air quality is healthy and the building retains its performance over the long term. Airtightness is therefore a key factor in the overall well‑being of both the building and those who live in it.

Designed for long‑term performance

WoodHow™ is built on a long‑term perspective. Kontio log buildings are designed for decades of use, combining structural durability, repairability, and simple massive log structures without moisture‑sensitive layers. This lifecycle‑oriented approach ensures that buildings retain their performance, technical reliability, and value over time.

Earthquake‑resistant log construction

Kontio WoodHow™ – earthquake‑resistant log construction is based on decades of experience delivering reliable log buildings to seismic regions worldwide, including Japan, Central Asia, and Southern Europe. Designed for demanding conditions, Kontio log buildings combine the natural elasticity of wood, massive horizontal log structures, and careful, project‑specific structural engineering to ensure structural safety and long‑term reliability. All buildings are designed in accordance with Eurocode 8, the European standard for earthquake‑resistant construction, while taking into account local seismic loads, site and foundation conditions, as well as national regulations and authority requirements. Compared to many conventional building materials, log walls are inherently lightweight and flexible, allowing structures to absorb and dissipate seismic energy through controlled movement. Kontio’s massive log structure reduces the risk of sudden or brittle damage and supports stable structural performance during earthquakes.

Structural Performance for Sustainability

WoodHow™ combines technical performance with responsible building principles. Energy‑efficient, airtight and durable log structures reduce operational energy demand and support long service life. Solid wood structures also enable reuse and material efficiency, making sustainability a structural outcome rather than a separate feature.