Mi-Pe Oy, based in Kitee, has established itself as one of the leading companies specializing in timber transportation and wood chip contracting in the region. The company’s roots trace back to 1976,...
Hirsiveisto Laasonen, based in Rääkkylä, is a family-owned company founded in 1994, specializing in high-quality traditional log construction, log building design, and the Olotar timber garden building collection.
Quality, tradition, and customer focus as cornerstones
Hirsiveisto Laasonen was born from Jukka Laasonen’s idea of utilizing timber from his own forest for log crafting. Over the years, the company has become known for its handcrafted unique finish, uncompromising quality, and customer-oriented design. It combines traditional log craftsmanship with modern needs while preserving the heritage of log construction.
Today, the company employs, in addition to owners Jukka and Anne Laasonen, two skilled workers. Anne is responsible for project planning and sales, while Jukka and his team oversee construction and assembly.
- Our employees are true multi-talents, enabling us to offer a broad and flexible range of services to our customers. For us, quality is not just a competitive advantage – it is the way we want to do our work, Jukka and Anne explain.
Two seasonal cycles in business operations
The company's operations follow two distinct seasonal cycles. From spring to autumn, customers plan their yard and summer cottage surroundings. During this period, Olotar timber garden buildings are manufactured and delivered, Lukkan terrace glazing is installed, and both new and renovation construction projects are carried out. In the winter, the workshop fills up with handcrafted log frames prepared for upcoming deliveries.
In recent years, log construction has become an increasingly significant part of the company’s revenue, with most of its log-building customers located in North Karelia.
Olotar garden buildings were introduced to the market in 2006 as Finland’s first shed-roofed garden buildings. Their modern design, versatile applications, and customizability have made them popular among consumers, housing associations, and the public sector. These buildings are delivered across Finland, particularly to coastal and archipelago areas. The Olotar collection carries the Key Flag and Design from Finland labels, granted by the Association for Finnish Work.
The images showcase Olotar timber garden building collection.
Building code reform and its impact on garden construction
At the beginning of the year, a building code reform came into effect, making permit requirements for garden buildings less restrictive. Anne and Jukka are keen to see how this change will affect the demand for Olotar garden buildings.
- It will be interesting to see what kind of impact the reform has on sales. On one hand, less restrictive permit regulations may increase the demand for more affordable garden buildings, but we believe that customers will continue to value quality and durability. Long-lasting, carefully designed buildings are always a good investment, Jukka states.
Cottage maintenance and preserving property value
Rääkkylä is a region known for its many summer cottages. Jukka has noticed that many cottages are visited infrequently, and some are left without proper maintenance as owners or their descendants lack the time to take care of them.
- Maintaining a cottage doesn’t have to take up the owner’s vacation time. With cottage caretaker services, buildings and yards remain in good condition without constant supervision by the owner. We collaborate with a local caretaker service and encourage cottage owners and their families to make greater use of maintenance services. Regular upkeep ensures that cottages retain their value and provide worry-free holidays for generations to come, Jukka explains.
Raising awareness through events
The company actively participates in various events to connect with customers. This summer, they will showcase Olotar garden buildings at the St Michel horse racing event in Mikkeli, where thousands of cottage owners are expected to attend. Additionally, Hirsiveisto Laasonen will take part in the inviting and community-focused Rääkkylä Kukkakuhhaus event.
Where tradition meets modern log construction
Demand for log construction is growing, with customer needs ranging from traditional handcrafted log buildings to modern solutions. To meet diverse demands, Hirsiveisto Laasonen collaborates with Timber Frame Oy, offering customers their non-settling ProLog® logs.
- Some customers appreciate the unique character of handcrafted log buildings, while others prefer more modern solutions. Our collaboration with Timber Frame allows us to serve both groups. ProLog® logs have been very well received by our customers, and we will continue to market them as part of our product range. We aim to strengthen our position in both traditional and modern log construction and provide high-quality solutions for various needs, Jukka summarizes.
Investment in a log crafting shelter – growth and continuity
The entrepreneurs are committed to continuous development. A new log crafting shelter is under construction to enhance the production of handcrafted log structures. This investment project received ELY funding.
- Business Joensuu’s financial expert was of great help in preparing the funding application for the investment project. Without expert support, the process would have been significantly more demanding, as funding applications are not our area of expertise, Anne acknowledges.
The company has also taken advantage of Business Joensuu’s coaching programs. Anne participated in the V!rtaa coaching, which provided fresh perspectives and concrete ideas for strategic business development. Jukka, in turn, attended AI training, which offered insights into utilizing AI in marketing. The entrepreneurs also actively follow the Pinkka small procurement portal to stay updated on local small-scale procurements and new collaboration opportunities.
Hirsiveisto Laasonen’s future is being planned with a long-term vision.
- Our goal is to ensure that the tradition of log construction is preserved and continues to evolve in the future, Anne and Jukka affirm.
Text: Tanja Immonen, Business Joensuu
Photos: Hirsiveisto Laasonen/Olotar
For more information and services:
Anne Laasonen, +358 400 685 810, anne@olotar.fi
Jukka Laasonen, +358 400 186 159, jukka@olotar.fi
www.hirsiveistolaasonen.fi | www.olotar.fi
