Nature comes close in Onnelo made of WISA^® plywood

A desire for quality and responsibility

The idea took off when Malinen retired from a management position at an international accounting firm. As no similar structure could be found on the market, Malinen's curious mind began to tinker with it.

After some experimentation, Malinen attracted Risto Granlund, a long-standing industrial designer, as his designer. At first Granlund was hesitant, but he got excited when mutual values were easily found. Domestic, high-quality and responsibly produced materials were an obvious choice for both of them in terms of plywood, surface treatment agents and interior design.

Granlund, who has long worked as a designer in Germany, took up Malinen's challenge, abandoned the boxy design, honing the details and taking the design to a new level.

"I wanted us to create a unique design language. I was also intrigued by the architectural nature of the idea," says Granlund of the glamping-inspired building, which combines camping with comfort.

WISA plywood was chosen as the material after careful selection

With the precision of an accountant, Malinen began to study the different types of plywood and discovered that there is softwood plywood - and then there is WISA Spruce plywood. WISA perfectly fulfilled the conditions that had been swirling in Malinen's mind, from domesticity and high quality to the certified origin of the wood raw material.

"I was particularly attracted to the best surface grade, the G-grade of WISA-Spruce Special, which has no visible surface defects. We already have several years of experience with prototypes, and I believe that well-maintained WISA plywood will last for decades. Even a little patina is only good for the surfaces," says Malinen.

WISA plywood is easy to work and handle

Granlund helped create the conical three-wall, three-wheel Onnelo for three seasons. The fourth glass wall of the building, which is almost monolithic up to the roof, provides a link to nature and the landscape.

"Onnelo is a nest-like building that blends in with nature. In Onnelo’s lap thoughts wander or sleep is sweet, depending on the need," says Granlund, describing the co-creation, which has also been praised for its soothing woody scent.

The surfaces have been treated with a dirt and moisture repellent, colourless wood wax on the inside to enhance the character of the wood, as well as a charcoal black finish of three oils on the outside. Both are breathable and plastic-free finishes, which also preserves the breathability of the plywood.

One of the strengths of the material was also its workability with simple tools. WISA-Spruce plywood of 12 mm for the walls and 15 mm for the ceiling was used.

"There is little wastage as the pieces always seem to find a use later," Malinen points out. 

Towards sunset - or sunrise

Thanks to its light weight, Onnelo can be moved as required, for example towards the sunset or into the shade of trees. Roof-mounted solar panels can also be pointed towards the sun by moving the whole building. There are three different models of Onnelo, depending on the equipment: Onnelo Pro, Onnelo Laavu and Onnelo Villa. The first two models have been used on a trial basis at the Silversand campsite in Hanko and have been well received by overnight guests.

"Yes, we are targeting this at professional campers and those who need extra space in their backyard or cottage. Beautiful scenery is at the heart of Onnelo," Malinen recalls.