Julia Kivela
Kintulammi Nature Reserve
Facilities
The nature reserve just 20 km north of the city centre of Tampere – the biggest inland city in the Nordics – has been uplifted by building architecturally interesting shelters and other facilities for hikers to use freely.
Cities and towns
National parks
UNESCO sites
UNESCO global geoparks
Main roads
Airports
Cruise ports
Case
Infrastructure
Grass
Trees / Forest
Water
What extra value can good architecture generate?
The focus of the project to renovate the nature reserve area with growing visitor numbers was on both environmentally friendly hiking and nature conservation. Emphasis was put on good design and the use of environmentally friendly solutions.
Interestingly designed structures add to the nature’s appeal
The project included 15 km of guided and structured paths, four architect-designed wind shelters, dry toilets, a parking area and maps of the area. The objective was to use recycled and natural materials in all the structures and markings. An example of this are the guide poles that are protected from the elements by a burned surface treatment. Some of the shelters are built of logs while others have a wood-frame structure. The trails are enforced with woodchips and at places boardwalks. The ongoing biotope restoration includes rehydrating the dried-up mires and letting wood rot in the forest. Hikers are guided and encouraged to make only trash-free visits.
Key facts
- Location
Sorila, Tampere, Region of Pirkanmaa in Central Finland
- GPS points
N60°09'10.6" E25°00'47.5"
- Protection Framework
Local nature reserve area
- Estimated number of visitors a year
40,000
- Project Owner
City of Tampere
- Designer
Several, including Malin Moisio (Kirkkokivi and Saarijärvi shelters) and Manu Humppi (Kaukaloinen shelter)
- Year of construction
2017–2018
- Materials
Recycled and virgin wood
- Landscape type
Forest and lakes
- Prizes/Awards
Finland’s Hiking Destination of the Year 2020, theme environmental friendliness Kirkkokivi shelter shortlisted for ArchDaily Building of the Year 2020