Laawu: Sleep luxuriously and connect with nature

By Mari Koskinen

The Finnish company Laawu offers sustainably built and ecological mini-cabins, that sit perfectly in the landscape and are individually customised for each site. They provide beautifully designed and affordable accommodation, of the highest environmental and aesthetic standards.

“The idea for these space-saving and functional A-framed huts was first born many years ago, at a summer party at our family cottage. There was a constant need for additional accommodation for friends and family, that would fit nicely in the landscape,” explains Laawu’s founder Juho Repo. He started the business three years ago, just when the pandemic was causing an upswing in nature adventures. “For Laawu, the timing was perfect. There was sudden demand for this type of alternative accommodation,” he says.

Laawu: Sleep luxuriously and connect with nature

Founder Juho Repo. Photo: Janne Torikka Photography

Laawu’s concept is that the design of the huts is customised for each location, so they form a part of the unforgettable experience at different nature destinations. Their harmonic appearance and the full-size window wall allow you to feel part of the surrounding nature. They are often used for accommodation, but are suited for multiple purposes such as a studio, work space or sauna.

Laawu Wellsters, located at the traditional Stromfors Iron Mill, can be reached only by water. This destination is perfect for travellers enjoying the picturesque paddling trails at River Kymi. The huts are built on a floating raft, and equipped with solar panels to provide ecological electricity. Photo: Pekka Vainio.

Strength in partnerships

During the first year, Repo put in a lot of effort to finalise the prototype with the support of Xamk, the South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences. “Since then, we have continued the development in collaboration with other local entrepreneurs, who have helped to design and produce the first huts,” explains Repo.

At the Tykkimäki Resort, the Glamping Laawu huts combine the luxuries of a hotel with stunning nature, to provide remarkable spots for relaxation. The huts have a cosy deck for outdoor living and the stay can be combined with a dinner package at the resort restaurant. Photos: Madmix Media

He has plans to take Laawu huts abroad, and intends to bring the traditional Finnish building craftsmanship along. “These talented professionals have helped Laawu to develop the concept further, and also to build a strong production and logistic processes,” Repo says. “Partnering with the best local companies has been one of the keys to our success. It brings together experts in different fields.”

At the historic Hauhia Mill, Laawu’s Angervo hut is built from local logs, hewn by a local craftsman. It fits beautifully into the surrounding nature of its riverside location, and is close to the old sawmill and art gallery. More services and Laawu huts will be available there soon. Photo: Krista Ylinen

Responsible business

The huts are built from excess wood from the local sawmill, and they use wood-fibre insulation, which ensures the breathing structure is free of chemicals and plastics. But responsibility does not just mean environmental values. Laawu also invests in social projects, like education. “We have started our own apprenticeship programme, which trains new professionals both for our own needs and our partners’,” Repo says. The first students have started their studies earlier this year and are already moving towards new assignments.

With enthusiasm, solid values and shared know-how, Laawu and its partners are well on the way to bringing their unique and luxurious experience to the rest of the world.