The Yyteri Visitor Center - designed and built for the demands of coastal life
At the heart of this landmark project lies a commitment to durability and aesthetic excellence for wooden surfaces, achieved through innovative treatments. The challenge was the building's coastal location, with harsh weather conditions and winter construction adding complexity. With carefully selected solutions, the project showcases how waterborne wood treatments can meet the demands of coastal environments, whilst preserving natural beauty and significantly extending maintenance intervals.
The Yyteri Visitor Center, a stunning new architectural landmark, is located at Yyteri beach near city of Pori, which is a well known summer paradise in Western Finland, with 6 km of beaches. The visitor center exemplifies the seamless integration of modern design with environmental responsibility.
The building is based on a conceptual design by Muuan Oy, with Esa Niva of Arkkitehdit A3 Oy responsible for the implementation design. The building's choice of materials focused on low-carbon materials, with the CLT-frame and cladding being made of domestic solid wood. This is in line with the region's commitment to environmentally conscious tourism. The center offers various services, including tourist information, a shop, and year-round facilities such as exhibition spaces and restrooms. It supports both the local community and over 300,000 annual visitors by providing a hub for tourism which complements Yyteri's natural beauty whilst balancing economic development and ecological preservation.
A Collaborative Journey Toward a Sustainable Solution
The challenge was the building's coastal location, with harsh weather conditions and winter construction adding complexity. Initially, solvent-based products were specified for the project. However, painting contractor Teemu Rantamäki, Maalaus Rantamäki Oy, consulted Teknos for more durable and sustainable alternatives, leading to the recommendation of Teknos´ waterborne products. Teknos’ technical support suggested pioneering solutions for wooden surfaces, emphasizing that modern water-based coatings outperform solvent-based ones in durability, aesthetics, user safety, and environmental impact.
As Teknos' technical service specialist Susanna Laine explained, "Today, water-based products have better properties than solvent-based products: they are more durable, both visually and technically, but also better from both the user’s and nature’s perspective."
After reviewing the recommendation, the architect approved the adjustment, and pioneering wood treatment solutions were selected for the project: HELO® SOLANA WAX matt log wax with high UV protection for indoor surfaces and WOODEX® PREMIUM, an exceptionally long-lasting wood stain for exterior use.
Yyteri Visitor Center façade painted with Teknos WOODEX® PREMIUM Wood stain in Teknos shade T8001.
A Partnership Built on Trust and Excellence
"We use only domestic, high-quality Teknos paints" says Maalaus Rantamäki on its website. Painting contractor Teemu Rantamäki turned to Teknos for this project as well, emphasising shared commitment to quality. "The work was done quickly, and the result is perfect," says Rantamäki.
"Teknos' family entrepreneurship is present in everything, and help is always available even for the most challenging projects," adds Rantamäki.
Through close cooperation with the architect, contractor, and technical experts, Teknos demonstrated how its innovative solutions meet modern demands for durability, beauty, and environmental responsibility.
"Teknos' family entrepreneurship is present in everything, and help is always available even for the most challenging projects," adds Rantamäki.
Yyteri Visitor Center coated with Teknos HELO® SOLANA WAX Matt log wax. The roof is tinted with Teknos shade T8001.
Products That Deliver Durability and Sustainability
Following a thorough review, the architect selected Teknos' HELO® SOLANA WAX and WOODEX® PREMIUM for their superior combination of aesthetics and long-lasting protection. HELO® SOLANA WAX Matt log wax for indoor surfaces with high UV protection preserving the wood from yellowing and WOODEX® PREMIUM Long lasting wood stain with a 2-3 times longer maintenance interval compared to conventional wood stains. By providing durable, high-quality protection, the materials are able to withstand wear for longer periods, and the extended maintenance intervals not only enhance sustainability but also deliver significant cost-efficiency to construction projects in the long term.
Both products can be tinted in Teknos' wide range of translucent colours, providing creative flexibility and durability.
HELO® SOLANA WAX Matt log wax
A waterborne protective coating for indoor wooden surfaces, offering UV protection and a natural, dirt-repellent finish.
WOODEX PREMIUM® Long-lasting wood stain
A high-performance, transparent wood stain for outdoor use, designed to withstand extreme weather while significantly extending maintenance intervals.
Project details
Builder: City of Pori
Architect: Esa Niva, Arkkitehdit A3 Oy, original concept by Olli Metso, Muuan Oy
Painting Contractor: Teemu Rantamäki, Maalaus Rantamäki Oy
Photographer: Thomas Freundlich, Lumikinos Production