Nature-inspired everyday life in a log-built daycare in Porvoo

The new Huhtinen Daycare Centre in Porvoo offers safe, healthy and nature-connected spaces for around 200 children in a modern log-structured building. The project is part of the City of Porvoo's sustainable construction programme and meets the needs of a growing city in an energy-efficient and responsible way. The project is commissioned by the City of Porvoo, with Rakennusliike Lapti Oy as the main contractor.

Photos: Nordtreat

Co-designed spaces for smooth daily operations

The daycare's facilities and design have been developed in close collaboration with the users and key stakeholders to ensure the building supports daily routines in the best possible way. The goal was to create a child-centred and homelike environment, where acoustics, air quality and functionality all contribute to children's wellbeing. 

Construction began in spring 2024 and was completed in autumn 2025. The project is one of the Porvoo's most significant public timber construction initiatives to date. 

Fire protection without compromising natural beauty

The exposed interior log surfaces of the Huhtinen Daycare Centre were treated with Nordtreat's NORFLAMⓇ W310 (NT Deco) flame retardant, a solution designed for demanding public environments providing fire protection, while leaving the natural beauty of the wood visible. A beautiful light shade NTD64 was chosen to enhance the natural colour of the wood.

"The goal was to preserve the natural look and breathability of the log surfaces, while ensuring full compliance with the strict fire safety requirements. Our solution made this possible, and we are proud to contribute to creating safe and beautiful spaces for children."

Markus Strömberg, Surface Treatment Specialist, Nordtreat Oy

As the main contractor, Lapti, highlights the importance of openness and collaboration throughout the project, both with the City of Porvoo and with Nordtreat as a solution partner. 

"Applying fire protection in a log-structured daycare is a demanding task where every detail matters. Our cooperation with Nordtreat was smooth and solution-driven. It's great that together we were able to ensure fire safety while preserving the natural look of the wood, which brings warmth and comfort to the interior spaces."

Aleks Tiilikka, Foreman, Rakennusliike Lapti Oy

Mass timber suits critical infrastructure buildings

The Huhtinen Daycare Centre is part of Porvoo's ambition to promote low-carbon construction and the use of wood in public buildings. Log buildings store carbon for the long term and provide an environmentally friendly solution that stands the test of time and use.

"It's encouraging to see how municipal investments in sustainable construction align with our mission to enable the safe use of wood in demanding construction projects."

Markus Strömberg, Surface Treatment Specialist, Nordtreat Oy

The daycare opened its doors in August 2025.

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