Renovation of the Mökki Riihiniemi

In addition to the mökki by the jetty, the property we manage also includes a mökki in the forest. A mökki is a Finnish summer house, where most Finns spend the summer and where they can enjoy peace and quiet. Unfortunately, this mökki hasn't been used or maintained for some time. The roof is leaking, and it smells of mold and mouse droppings. Since it's located in a beautiful spot right by the lake on a wooded peninsula, it was clear to us that we wanted to preserve it for the owners, friends, and guests.

The plan was to renovate as gently, cost-effectively and without much effort as possible.

Because the ceiling was dripping during the snowmelt in the spring, we removed all the furniture from the mökki. Unfortunately, the furniture took on a musty smell over time, and we had to throw some of it away. However, we still use what we can for other projects. The kitchen furniture now serves as a storage space for screws and nails, and we use the stove when we cook something outside. The wooden table has become our garden table, the mattresses have been turned into dog sofas, etc.

When we removed the first ceiling panels from the suspended ceiling, we were met with completely torn insulation covered in mouse droppings and soaked with meltwater. The wooden battens of the roof structure were wet and partially moldy. Upon closer inspection, we couldn't imagine how we could in good conscience renovate and rent it out. After long discussions about how to do it, it became clear to us: THIS ROOF HAS TO GO!

When we saw this wonderfully bright, high ceiling, the first plans for the new roof began to form. It's supposed to be exactly the same later, just a bit higher. We're no longer limited. Since the ceiling insulation was in such a terrible condition, we wanted to take a look at the wall insulation. After removing some wall panels, we saw the same thing as in the ceiling, just without water and with a moldy air barrier. So, it was quickly decided that the insulation had to go there too.

However, this also means that a gentle renovation and immediate rental is no longer possible. Despite everything, it is incredibly important to us to renovate the mökki in the most natural and resource-efficient way possible. We will cut the wood from our own forest and use wood fiber insulation. Where possible and practical, we will try to reuse the harvested wood for construction. Although this project is close to our hearts, it will probably have to wait a while. There are simply too many other projects and tasks that need to be done.