FROM WOOD TO ARCHITECTURE Kärsämäki Shingle Church
Kärsämäki, Finland, 2004.
An old wooden church at Kärsämäki dating from 1765 was demolished and replaced by another in a new location in 1841, Not long ago the idea of rebuilding the original wooden church arose in the North Ostrobothnian parish, but as there was not enough documentation to work with, a decision was made to build a new, modern church on the site using 18th century methods.
Its architectural objectives included a simple, archaic atmosphere and good weather resistance. The building comprises a log-built "core" and a black, tarred shingle clad "cloak", between which are the vestibules, vestry and storeroom. A person entering the church is guided through a dimly lit space towards the lighter coloured hall lit with a roof lantern. When it is dark the church is lit with glass lanterns, with candles inside, and tinplate lanterns carried by churchgoers. To increase the building's adaptability there are no fixed pews inside and the altar, too, is moveable.
The logs were felled from woods owned by the parish and cut into shape both mechanically and by hand. The notched corner joints were made with axe, saw and chisel, A third of the structural log frame was erected on a levelled field next to the site. Once the foundations were complete, the frame was moved into place and the rest of the logs were assembled. The surfaces were hewn with a broad axe. The roof structures were constructed on-site, mainly of 5" x 5" sawn timber. The members were connected by notched joints secured with rowan dowels.
The shingles were made of aspen by hand, because correct fabrication is essential to their durability. They were finished by splitting and whittling and dipped into hot tar before they were fitted in place. Splitting provides the shingle with a lively surface and good durability, as the cellular structure of the wood is not broken. Altogether 50 000 shingles were needed for the roofing and cladding of the church.
Thanks to the working methods and lengthy construction period, cooperation between the architect and the builders went smoothly, and many details were developed together. The project can be seen as a tour de force of the declining countryside, paying homage to traditional craftsmanship.