Architect
Anssi Lassila
Competition
1999
Completion
2004
Gross area
100 m²
Themes
Churches throughout History
Category
Assembly buildings
Tags
church competition sacred shingle wood

Kärsämäki Shingle Church is one of the finest examples of church architecture from recent decades. The style of the church is contemporary, but the construction methods go back to the 18th century vernacular architecture. The design of the church is based on a winning entry of an architecture competition in 1999. It was a breakthrough for the young architect Anssi Lassila, who later established the OOPEAA office.

The building materials for the church, timber and shingle, were mainly taken from the local woods. The church was built by local voluntary workers, together with professionals in 2000–2004. The construction was an important social process for Kärsämäki residents.

Location

Pappilankuja 24, Kärsämäki
63.9639217, 25.7501654

Images

Bell tower on the left, Kärsämäki Shingle Church
Bell tower on the left, Kärsämäki Shingle Church (© Jussi Tiainen)
Church is located in the middle of a grassfield, Kärsämäki Shingle Church
Church is located in the middle of a grassfield, Kärsämäki Shingle Church (© Jussi Tiainen)
Church is located in the middle of a grassfield, Kärsämäki Shingle Church
Church is located in the middle of a grassfield, Kärsämäki Shingle Church (© Jussi Tiainen)
Entrance, Kärsämäki Shingle Church
Entrance, Kärsämäki Shingle Church (© Jussi Tiainen)
Entrance opens to the Kärsämäenjoki River, Kärsämäki Shingle Church
Entrance opens to the Kärsämäenjoki River, Kärsämäki Shingle Church (© Jussi Tiainen)
Timber craftmanship is visible both in the interior and exterior, Kärsämäki Shingle Church
Timber craftmanship is visible both in the interior and exterior, Kärsämäki Shingle Church (© Jussi Tiainen)
Selection of wooden building materials, Kärsämäki Shingle Church
Selection of wooden building materials, Kärsämäki Shingle Church (© Jussi Tiainen)
Site plan, Kärsämäki Shingle Church
Site plan, Kärsämäki Shingle Church (© Anssi Lassila)
Floor plan, Kärsämäki Shingle Church
Floor plan, Kärsämäki Shingle Church (© Anssi Lassila)

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