Gert Wingårdh: Piano Pavilion (2008)

The Piano Pavilion,designed by architect Gert Wingårdh from Sweden and commissioned by the Wood in Culture Association, was completed in June 2008 in Ankkurinranta, in the immediate vicinity of the Sibelius Hall in Lahti, Finland. Wingårdh´s design echoes and celebrates the work of Italian Renzo Piano, recipient of the 2000 Spirit of Nature Wood Architecture Award.

Wood, glass and steel

The Piano Pavilion has an interesting architecture described as an airy combination of glass and wood. Its foundation consists of steel columns driven into the bedrock. The gluelam frame rests on transverse steel beams. The space is articulated by the load-bearing structures and glass walls, the lightweight roof appears to float above the frame.

According to Wingårdh, the building resembles a ship about to be launched. The concave roof opens the building up towards Lake Vesijärvi, and the roof construction is finished by an aspen fringe reminiscent of fish bones.

Extensive co-operation in the construction

Architect SAFA Anders Adlercreutz from A-konsultit arkkitehtitoimisto in Helsinki worked as an architectural partner in the project and architect SAFA Unto Siikanen as a chief designer. The suppliers of the building materials granted substantial discounts and donated material, while other companies and foundations gave donations and grants.

In the summer, the Piano Pavilion serves as a café, in winter it may be reserved for meetings and private functions. The interior seats 60 and the terrace another 60. The services are operated by Ravintola Casseli Oy based in Lahti.

Piano Pavilion - part of the Wood Architecture Park in Lahti

In the immediate vicinity of the Sibelius Hall, the Piano Pavilion is an important architectural sight interesting to Finnish and international visitors alike. The pavilion is part of the Wood Architecture Park in Lahti, consisting of works designed by the winners of the Spirit of Nature Wood Architecture Award. ‘Illuminated Canopy’ by Japanese Kengo Kuma was completed in 2005 and ‘Wooden Spiral’ designed by Richard Leplastrier from Australia was completed in 2006.

Wood in Culture Association

The Wood in Culture Association promotes the use and image of wood by means of culture. The Association distributes two awards in alternate years: the international Spirit of Nature Wood Architecture Award and the national Spirit of Nature Cultural Award. The sixth Spirit of Nature Wood Architecture
Award will be presented in September 2010.

Additional information:
Wood in Culture Association, Executive Director Päivi Ronkainen, tel. +358 50 381 9378, paivi.ronkainen@smy.fi, www.woodinculture.net

Låda meddelanden på svenska (PDF)

	The Piano Pavilion, Lahti Photo: Eiler Forsius/Forka / Puu kulttuurissa ry
	The Piano Pavilion, Lahti Photo: Eiler Forsius/Forka / Puu kulttuurissa ry
	The Piano Pavilion, Lahti Photo: Eiler Forsius/Forka / Puu kulttuurissa ry
	The Piano Pavilion, Lahti Photo: Eiler Forsius/Forka / Puu kulttuurissa ry

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