The relaxing effect of a log house

Sensory-friendly logs increase wellbeing. Logs made of natural solid wood evoke similar positive feelings as being in nature. According to studies, the experience of real wood makes a room more pleasant, warmer and more natural than painted plaster, gypsum board or concrete structures.

Stress-reducing life in a log building

Wood has a positive emotional impact. According to international studies, spending time in a building made of solid wood reduces the heart rate, calms you and relieves stress.

According to a study conducted in Austria,* students who studied in classrooms with solid wood walls were calmer than those who studied in normal classrooms. In both types of classrooms, students’ heart rate increased at the beginning of the school day, but in classrooms with solid wood walls, heart rate soon decreased for the remainder of the school day. The average daily heart rate of young people studying in wooden classrooms was 8,600 beats lower than those studying in traditional classrooms. The difference was about 6 beats per minute.

*Summary of the research results in German can be read here.

Nature connection through sensory-friendly solid wood

People relax when experiencing nature. Honka’s visually calm solid wood log creates a connection with nature indoors and makes for a calm and soothing environment. A connection to nature is important to our wellbeing. Natural wood has been found to evoke similar positive feelings as being in nature. Honka’s natural log walls create a sense of calm and connection to nature, fostering an atmosphere that supports overall wellbeing.

Wood material makes a room feel warm and cosy. Wood feels safe and natural to the touch. The scent of wood is soothing.

I firmly believe that the greatness of log houses lies in the fact that regardless of whether you look at the walls from the inside or the outside, all you can see are the same pines that used to grow in our own forests. There is nothing extra or unnecessary. During this time, the scent of wood has become as important to me as the scent of the sea. It makes me feel at home – calm, relaxed and safe.

Kaisa Turunen, owner of the Honka Louna home

Sound sleep

Experience has shown that people sleep well in Honka log houses. The natural connection of real wood in Honka log homes creates a place of relaxation. Many people go to their cottage for weekends and holiday to relax. In a Honka log house, you can relax every day, any time of the year.

Positive feelings are reflected in the autonomic nervous system, reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and increasing the calming effect of the parasympathetic nervous system. The mechanism of influence is likely similar to being in the forest or otherwise in nature.

Marjut Wallenius, adjunct professor of psychology, Tampere University

Good acoustics

The soundscape in Honka log homes is soothing, because solid wood buildings have proven quality acoustics that dampen noises. Solid wood absorbs sound and creates a calm and pleasant atmosphere inside a log home. The log wall creates a calming atmosphere, and combined with a panelled ceiling and textiles it improves acoustics.

The soundscape of a log house is quiet. When it combines with the warmth of real wood and high-quality indoor air, the result is a truly pleasant living environment.

Jaakko Parkkonen, owner of the Savukvartsi log home

Read more:

• FAQ: Are log homes proven to be healthier than other types? Three research scientists answer
• Two years in a log home – how does it feel now? Visiting Kaisa Turunen’s log home.

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