The Finnish Forest Association is a co-operation organization for communication about forests that speaks about their sustainable use and invites participation in pluralistic debate about them. Their headquarters are located in Kamppi, at the heart of Helsinki, Finland.

The office space of Finnish Forest Association

The office of the Forest Association was renovated in spring 2023. The association had been renting an outdated office space divided into separate rooms for many years, which no longer met the needs of remote and hybrid working. It was either renovate or move, and the staff voted unanimously in favour of renovation. The renovation was commissioned by the Finnish Natural Resources Research Foundation, but the Forest Association was allowed to design it entirely based on its own needs and those of a sub-tenant in a separate office space.

The office is about 300 m2 in area, which was divided into two different office spaces for separate operators during the renovation. The larger office has an open plan workspace, including a mail/group space, two quiet ‘Teams’ rooms, a teamwork room and a meeting room that can be opened up into the larger space. These three spaces are soundproofed with acoustic doors and windows. The office also includes a communal kitchen and a living room area where staff can dine – and often work – together. The space can also accommodate events for 25-30 people.

“The staff have been very happy with the renovation and the new office space, which were spot on right from the beginning of the project. We worked remotely during the renovation in 1-4/2023,” says Kirsi Joensuu, Executive Director of the Finnish Forest Association.

A natural and calm interior

The interior of the Finnish Forest Association’s headquarters is designed by Nina Mäkelä, who was also responsible for the architectural design of the space. She didn’t need time to think about jumping into the project, but was immediately enthusiastic about the opportunity, because the Finnish forests and nature are close to her heart.

Nina worked together with the Forest Association’s interior design team, and they quickly found a common vision for the new look of the renovated interior. They all shared the same outlook  – sustainable, natural, peaceful, healthy and cozy. The interior design style suits the association, as the Finnish wood is reflected in the material choices and the colour scheme.

The inspiration for the interior design came naturally from the forest: “I think most of us enjoy walking in the forest and I wanted to bring that feeling into the interior. My aim was also to create a space that would support the Finnish Forest Association’s activities and strategy and that would welcome both staff and visitors alike. The new office invites people to work together!”, Nina Mäkelä describes the design process.

Why Woodio?

The Woodio products are perfect for the Finnish Forestry Association’s office, and they were an obvious choice for an association that communicates about new uses for wood and wood-based products in many of its projects. They are also beautiful design objects.

The Woodio Solid sheet material has been used for the kitchen’s countertops, backsplashes and end panels, and the Woodio Hooks have been used as pulls on the kitchen cabinet doors. Woodio Block toilet seats were chosen for both bathrooms, the Woodio Soft 40 table-top washbasin for one bathroom, and the Woodio Soft 40 wall-hung basin for the other bathroom.  They create such a natural feel to the bathrooms that all that’s missing is the sound of birdsong and a brook!

“We were already familiar with Woodio’s beautiful products and they were the perfect choice for this project! As a designer, I also received help and encouragement from Woodio to use the materials more widely,” says Nina Mäkelä.

Photography: Janica Lönn