Fiberwood is a world leader in building projects and interior design. They support the development of creative, environmentally friendly architecture and interiors, which could be progressive for the interior design sector. Repurposing side streams from traditional processes for more sustainable uses is becoming more and more popular in areas like architecture, interior design, and construction, since Finland’s vast network of forest-based industries offers plenty of opportunity to do so. As more sectors find useful, high-value applications, this increased interest not only supports economic growth but also enhances the circular economy and increases the value of virgin materials. “Flexible technologies with the capability of utilising any side stream materials are the new way forward, and establishing them in the standard practices is just a matter of time”, says Jussi Laine, an interior architect at NEMO Architects and one of the recent clients of Fiberwood. He was interviewed for his insights about material innovations and trends in sustainable design in the architectural field.
In 2020, Jussi Laine established Nemo Architects with his partner, Maria Klemetti Laine. Their specialty and area of competence are traditional, sustainable building techniques. Among their many intriguing architectural endeavors, they are most likely best known for their involvement with Habitare Finland, especially Habitare Materials, a brand-new, immersive, and entertaining material library that Jussi and Maria co-founded in 2019. “Ever since the beginning of our design studies 20 years ago, we have always been interested in materials as well as kept themes like sustainability in design choices close to us.”
Recognising innovations in sustainable materials
In addition to encouraging customers to use materials responsibly, NEMO Architects is on a mission to find and present a variety of materials. Their idea began to gain recognition abroad as well, and Maria and Jussi have already taken the Habitare Materials to Milan Design Week, the most significant design show in the world. Since Jussi was already interested in sustainability and materials, the algorithm finally recommended Fiberwood to him as well. The ideals and concepts of sustainability and innovation in the building sector were shared by this startup. Fiberwood was added to Habitare Materials as a result of the finding, joining a wider array of innovative materials that offer fresh perspectives on sustainable building solutions.
Sustainable innovations are gaining recognition across the globe
“It’s been fascinating to learn about the technology behind Fiberwood materials. Their bold, forward-looking approach to utilising the forest industry’s side streams has been nothing short of inspiring to see in a start-up. I believe their products have strong potential to break through and establish themselves in the building industry.” And now that Habitare Materials has also cleared the path for Milan Design Week, what about the global interest in such unconventional innovations? “New methods based on circular economy are sparking interest worldwide. There is a certain segment of top designers, architects, and companies that serve as trailblazers and are constantly looking for more sustainable solutions, as they add value and bring hope to their projects. Hope also lies in the new generations.”
Adaptable technologies: A force for transformation
It may seem safe and simple to remain with the traditional methods and techniques, which are still widely used in the construction business. Jussi sees a glimmer of hope for restored confidence in rules, though, given that the problems of environmental loss and the climate disaster have been acknowledged for decades. She also recognises the growing necessity of reviewing the fragile, short-term solutions. “The change happens along with people’s attitudes as well as implemented regulations.”
Harmonising traditional knowledge with emerging technologies
Groundbreaking initiatives that demonstrate a new direction are made possible when functionality and aesthetics collide, when tradition and innovation coexist. In his work, Jussi honours tradition and embraces old wisdom while embracing innovation. “There is an old saying in Finnish, ‘An old trick is better than a bagful of new ones.’ Even though there is a time and need for evolving technologies, I believe that even in a modern society, we would also have a lot to learn about how people centuries ago cherished what they owned by repairing, maintaining, and recycling. The effort put into looking after what is dear to you makes you not want to throw that away.”
Beyond their sentimental importance, woods are important to Finland because of the long-term benefits that properly maintained woodlands may offer to the country’s economy and enterprise. “I don’t think the Finnish relationship with nature is any more special than it is in other countries,” Jussi says, when asked about Finns’ relationship with their forests. “But here, we’re surrounded by nature almost everywhere we go, so it becomes a personal connection to many individuals, and forests have become our main industrial product.”
Changing attitudes in the direction of sustainability
Although other architects and designers in the construction business have talked about circular economies, carbon neutrality, and sustainable techniques, Jussi and Maria also bring up these subjects with customers in every project:
“Sustainable approach to everything is the cornerstone of our practice.” “The climate crisis and nature loss are the biggest issues of our time, and everybody must take the initiative to tackle them. As the building industry generates about 40% of the overall CO2 emissions, there is a lot to do in our field. The role of a designer may be rather limited, but we still try to do our part.”
Fiberwood is a prime example of how innovation can build on history by converting forest sector byproducts into contemporary pulp-based solutions while maximising the use of its limited resources, as the demand and desire for sustainable alternatives continue to rise. Nemo Architects simultaneously questions accepted norms, showing how careful architectural techniques may maintain a connection to tradition while actively advocating for more environmentally friendly methods. This next stage of building and design preserves the aesthetic principles that have influenced Finnish design, demonstrating that cultural and environmental respect can coexist for many generations to come.
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