Stunning Kuokkala Church Showcases Locally-Sourced Materials

The stunning Kuokkala Church in Jyväskylä, Finland updates a traditional building form with a refined modern finish. The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/daylighting/">daylit</a> structure is constructed almost entirely from locally-sourced spruce that is left in its natural state and highlighted by the sunshine streaming in from above. Finnish architects <a href="http://www.lh-ark.fi/">Lassila Hirvilammi</a> and <a href="http://www.luonti.fi/">Luonti</a> wanted to design a familiar form with a modern, simple appeal, and they succeeded with a beautifully-executed building that makes the most of available resources.

Located in the middle of downtown, the building is very much a central part of the community.

The architect’s use of <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/07/17/the-onigiri-cedar-house/">natural materials</a> inside and out gives the church a very organic texture.

The slate exterior walls and ceiling will last for generations and have a relatively low environmental impact.

The wooden structure is supported by spruce glue-lam beams and features the extensive use of spruce throughout the interior.

The wood was <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/05/28/stunning-palmya-house-showcases-local-sustainable-materials/">locally-sourced</a> and is finished with a natural tone that helps keep the interior bright.

Daylight streams from the peak of the roof throughout the three-story building, which also contains a daycare center, meeting rooms, and an office.

The building is oriented on an East-West plane and stands in the center of Kuokkala Square.

The exterior features a granite staircase that ushers visitors into the main entrance.

The architects proposed a "simple, sculptural form within which all of the church’s different functions could be contained."

This photo details the churches beautiful skylight interior, which is constructed primarily from spruce, with lime wood and ash wood finishings

<big><a href="http://www.lh-ark.fi/">+ Lassila Hirvilammi</a> <a href="http://www.luonti.fi/">+ Luonti</a></big>

[gallery_extend]....<br><br><a href='https://inhabitat.com/koukkala-church/'>READ ARTICLE</a>