The Lilja Chapel is an amazing temporary structure for meditation made entirely from prefabricated panels. Conceived by UPM Architects, the transportable unit is constructed from WISA plywood, and it has been designed to be open, airy and infused with natural light. After winning a student design competition the chapel was constructed in the city of Oulu in northern Finland. Set amongst a spectacular landscape, the windows of this beautiful structure look outward to frame the stunning Nordic landscape.

UPM sought to make the Lilja chapel as open as possible, so they designed it with a simple geometric form and no doors. The designers also avoided specific religious symbols, and instead sought to create a nondenominational refuge for calm and serenity.

The design is clean and sharp, with spotlights embedded in the floor to create a soft contrast of light and wood. Using a variety of WISA wood products and toughened glass, the designers have ensured that the striking structure is a lasting testament to green design.

+ UPM

Images by Vesa Oiva and Jussi Tiainen, courtesy of UPM