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Additional funding – and a name –  for the future Finnish Nature Centre at Nuuksio 

Published 1.7. 2011

New funding for Finland’s national nature centre in Nuuksio, Espoo, will help to make the centre into an impressive modern, ecologically designed tourist attraction and meeting place.  The new centre, just 25 km from the centre of Helsinki, has now also been officially named the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia.

The unique centre, due to be completed by January 2013, will present the best of Finland’s natural features and biodiversity, and enable people living in or visiting the Helsinki area to get perspectives on the natural wonders of the whole country. The centre’s main aim is to give visitors a genuine sense of close contact with nature.  This goal will be reflected in the centre’s stunning architectural design in natural wood, and in its innovative and enthralling exhibits and events. 

The new funding from the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation, amounting to a million euros, will enable internationally unique ecological features to be incorporated into the centre’s design. Innovative ways to exploit solar energy and thermal energy from the ground will make the centre 75% self-sufficient in terms of heating, and its cooling system will be 100% self-sufficient.

The new funds will also be used to enhance the centre’s educational and research work. The centre will have a sunken auditorium suitable for hosting all kinds of events from seminars and nature school lessons to festive occasions.

Exhibits featuring Finnish nature will include interactive displays that enable visitors to help shape their content. Innovative sensors will be incorporated into the building to monitor the functioning of its radically new wooden construction features as part of a programme run by Aalto University.

Haltia – nature, outdoor activities and mythology

The centre’s name Haltia comes from a Finnish word for bewitchment, representing the way the natural wonders featured in its exhibits will enchant visitors. Halti is also the name of the highest point in Finland, a high fell in a remote corner of Finnish Lapland right on the Norwegian border, so the name also reflects how the centre’s visitors will be taken on a journey through the whole country. 

Haltia can also mean a mythological figure who cherishes nature. It is hoped that the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia will increase awareness of Finland’s natural beauty, and become a major attraction in the Helsinki region.

The Finnish Nature Centre Haltia in brief:

• Constructed for the non-profit company Nuuksiokeskus Oy, which is owned by Metsähallitus Natural Heritage Services (67%); the City of Espoo (20%); and  Solvalla Nedre Ab (13%)
• Located in Espoo on the fringes of the Nuuksio National Park beside Lake Nuuksion Pitkäjärvi, about 25 km from the centre of Helsinki
• Construction to begin in August 2011, with opening scheduled for January 2013
• To be run by Metsähallitus Natural Heritage Services, with additional funding from the cities of Espoo, Helsinki, Vantaa, Kauniainen, Kirkkonummi and Vihti, and Solvalla Nedre
• Design by Lahdelma and Mahlamäki Architects, using solid wood and unique ecological features
• Exhibits to feature examples of Finland’s most spectacular natural attractions, including green areas within easy reach of Helsinki
• Restaurant, auditorium, educational facilities for schools
• 150,000 – 200,000 visitors a year expected
• One of the City of Espoo’s main contributions to neighbouring Helsinki’s year as World Design Capital 2012 (the partners of WDC  Helsinki 2012 are the cities of Espoo, Helsinki, Kauniainen, Lahti and Vantaa)

For more information:
Stig Johansson, Regional Director, Metsähallitus Natural Heritage Services Southern Finland; & chairman of the board responsible for the construction of the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia:  Tel +358 40 545 7315
Timo Kukko, managing director, Nuuksiokeskus Oy: +358 500 186 182

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Source: http://www.metsa.fi