UPM and the City of Mikkeli have agreed on building the winning entry of last years' wooden design competition organised by UPM in the Mikkelipuisto Park by the Lake Saimaa. The City of Mikkeli is planning to use the spectacular wooden concept hotel in connection with various media events, exhibitions and visits. Furthermore, the City of Mikkeli will be launching a wood construction programme that will focus on the promotion of wood construction and sustainable development in Mikkeli.
Last year, UPM arranged an open 24-hour design contest that resulted in the building of the WISA Wooden Design Hotel in Valkosaari in Helsinki’s South Harbour. The winning designer, Pieta-Linda Auttila, wanted to underline the endless expressive potential of one material and one shape. The hotel has received much attention in the international media as a unique building and a strong representative of Finnish design tradition.