The Japanese are very keen on the Estonian log houses
Nearly 90 % of the wooden houses manufactured in Estonia are exported, mainly to Europe, but there are also more exotic target markets. Thus, the log house manufacturer located in Saku, Mountain Loghome OÜ, has sold houses to Japan already for over 13 years. The Kapital crew visited the log house of Mountain Loghome OÜ in one of the most popular resorts in Japan and interviewed a local reseller in order to find out why the Japanese are so keen on the log houses.
“It is very important for the Japanese that the house would be 100 % natural,” Noguchi said and added: “In addition to naturalness, it is essential that the log houses are resistant to earthquakes.” In a country, where earthquakes are frequent, it is crucial to have buildings that would withstand the forces of nature. “A log house is more stable than ordinary houses and stands firmly together in case of an earthquake,” Noguchi confirmed. He brought an example how after an earthquake last year, people admitted that they felt safe in the log house.
Log house becomes a year-round residential house
Until recent years, the log houses were luxury goods for the Japanese and not affordable for all. They were mainly used as holiday homes by the wealthier people. According to Noguchi, the log houses are becoming increasingly popular in Japan: “Recently, the log houses have been equally bought for recreational and residential purposes and many customers are younger people.”
Watch more about the Japanese keenness on the log houses, Mountain Loghome, and the cooperation between the countries from the ETV list of recorded programmes here. The broadcast begins at 7:40.
Mountain Loghome OÜ recreational house