CASA CAHVELI
Before Building
How did it all start? Where did the idea and dream of building come from?
It all started when we bought the plot and began thinking about what kind of house would suit it. Our previous projects had been temporary, but this time we wanted to build a permanent and sustainable home that would perfectly meet our needs.
We sought inspiration from the housing fair in Lohja, but we didn’t find a house that matched our vision. Initially, we considered both stone and wooden houses. A modern log house was something we hadn’t seen before, so we didn’t initially think of it as an option. However, once our architect had sketched the floor plans, we had the opportunity to visit Polar Life Haus homes. That’s when we realized how much modern log construction could offer—every detail we had dreamed of was possible. This discovery set the course for making our dream a reality.
How and why did you choose Polar Life Haus?
With Polar Life Haus, we were able to realize all the details we had hoped for: modern architecture, large glass surfaces, frameless finishes, HTWS windows, and non-settling log structures. Additionally, we had heard a lot of positive feedback from others, which further strengthened our decision.
What do you value in a home?
Above all, we value quality and everyday convenience: the spaces must be functional and serve our family’s needs in the best possible way. As a family with children, good acoustics were also one of our top priorities.
Did you visit the factory or a model home? What did you gain from the visit? Would you recommend it to others?
Before we started building, we visited two Polar Life Haus homes. These visits were eye-opening, and we discovered many useful ideas in both homes that we applied to our own project. During the construction phase, we visited a few more Polar Life Haus homes. Seeing completed solutions provided us with valuable inspiration and practical insights for our own home.
We definitely recommend visiting these homes to others—it provides valuable information and concrete ideas!
Did you face any challenges during the project?
Every project comes with its challenges. We built during a period when interest rates and material costs were high, which posed challenges in managing the budget. Even though our plans were precise and realistic, we had to be extra careful with the budget. We received invaluable advice on budgeting from previous Polar Life Haus builders, and we recommend that others do the same.
After Completion
What is the best thing about your house and why?
The best thing about our house is the well-planned spaces: the layout is carefully thought out and serves our family’s needs excellently. The house has enough square meters, and they are used efficiently. The log walls add warmth, improve acoustics, and create a cozy atmosphere. We are also very satisfied with the lighting. Especially during the dark winter months, the well-designed lighting brings a special ambiance to our home.
What do you think of the product quality?
The quality of Polar Life Haus is undoubtedly among the best in the industry. The materials are carefully selected and of exceptionally high quality. Customer service has also been excellent—we always received help and support whenever needed.
How would you describe your collaboration with Polar Life Haus?
We managed the project ourselves and were mostly in contact with Polar Life Haus’s structural design team. The collaboration was close and went very smoothly. We always received quick responses to technical questions and valuable advice that made the project easier.
How does it feel now that the project is complete? What was the journey like from dream to reality?
Our project started with groundwork and foundation construction. After that, in mid-November 2022, the log structure was erected. From that point, it took 13 months to reach a move-in-ready home, and we completed our house in December 2023.
Balancing family life, work, and building a demanding home made the year very busy. Overall, the journey was challenging but incredibly rewarding.
How would you describe Polar Life Haus as a company and product in just a few words?
Reliable and high-quality
For Future Builders
Why would you recommend living in a log house?
We highly recommend it. In a Polar Life Haus log home, modern style blends beautifully with the warmth and atmosphere of wood. It’s a great place to live and breathe—a log house offers a unique living experience.
What advice would you give to future builders?
Good planning and experienced designers are crucial to getting everything on the right track from the beginning. It’s also important to consider the designer’s experience with log houses to gain new perspectives and make the most of their expertise. Choosing the right professionals makes the journey smoother, and things often turn out even better than expected.
We received recommendations for builders from previous Polar Life Haus homeowners. Our advice is to choose an experienced and slightly more expensive carpenter, even if it means waiting a little longer. Previous experience makes a huge difference. We also recommend checking the work quality of different builders before making a decision.
The builders of Casa Cahveli