Quality and cost-efficiency for partition walls

Learning from experience: optimizing material selection

Lujatalo has built all three Pikiruukki tower buildings, which has enabled continuous optimization of material selection and quantities as the project progressed. Each building has used 39 x 66 mm Kerto LVL T-studs for partition wall studs.

"The material selection for partition wall studs was ultimately a procurement decision, but the choice of T-stud was supported by its technical properties, which enabled the creation of high-quality and cost-efficient partition walls. The product also solves several partition wall construction challenges – T-stud is straight and experiences virtually no dimensional changes. This is a significant advantage, as using engineered laminated veneer lumber allows us to create high-quality, straight walls," describes Lujatalo's site manager Mika Palo.

Custom-cut studs streamline work and minimise waste

At Pikiruukin Laine, Kerto LVL T-studs for partition walls were ordered to the site partly in custom dimensions and partly in stock lengths. This solution has proven very functional in practical work. "When vertical studs for partition walls were ordered in custom dimensions, they don't need any cutting on site. This eliminates possible measurement errors and significantly streamlines wall construction in other ways as well," explains Mika Palo.

Custom dimensions also reduce material waste. Apart from sole plates, virtually no waste is generated, which is both an economically and ecologically sustainable solution.

Common Kerto LVL T-stud dimensions for wall structures

* more information about available dimensions can be found on the Kerto LVL T-stud product page.

Easy workability and installation

T-stud has proven to be easy and lightweight to handle in daily work. The material's workability is no different from regular sawn timber or glulam studs as a vertical stud, but the result is of higher quality. Compared to an alternative material, metal framing, Kerto LVL offers significant advantages. "Building with metal framing may be slightly faster, but it has straightness problems. Modern metal framing is so thin that it tends to bend when the first side of boards is screwed to the wall," Palo compares.

However, the top plate is equipped with metal framing, which provides more flexibility during installation. This metal component allows for fine adjustments of a few millimeters when securing vertical studs, ensuring perfect fit even when ceiling structures are not perfectly level. This practical advantage eliminates possible installation challenges caused by minor variations in the building envelope. On the T-stud partition wall frame, gypsum boards are screwed in place with sound insulation wool installed between the studs, creating both structural integrity and acoustic performance.

Additionally, LVL offers a structural advantage during the trim phase: "LVL was also chosen as material because the sole plate doesn't expand wider than the door frame width. This significantly facilitates trim work."

Positive feedback from installers

The final quality stamp for T-studs comes from the construction site. The feedback from subcontractors and installers on using Kerto studs has been unanimous and positive. "In fact, the installers haven't really had any complaints," Palo states.

Kerto LVL T-stud has proven to be a highly functional solution in practical work. On site, the material's straightness, ease of handling, and work efficiency resulting from custom dimensions are particularly valued.

Floor-by-floor deliveries with distribution partner increase cost-efficiency

The construction project's logistics also worked exemplarily, with materials for each floor being delivered in separate shipments through a local distribution partner. This solution significantly clarified the site's material storage. "Pikiruukin Laine is an excellent example of successful cooperation throughout the construction value chain. When the right products reach the site with the help of distribution partners at the right time and in the right dimensions, construction projects progress cost-efficiently and on schedule," says Mari Kivilahti, Sales Manager at Metsä Wood.

Information about the construction project

Pikiruukin Laine in Kokkola, Finland, is the area's third and final 12-storey apartment building. The building complex located by the sea forms Kokkola's first high-rise residential area on a former military barracks site. The first building, Loiste (Glow), was completed in 2021, and the second, Luotsi (Pilot), in February 2023. The third tower building, Laine (Wave), will be completed in early autumn 2026.

Pikiruukin Laine represents modern residential construction where material choices have been carefully made. The apartments feature underfloor water heating, energy-efficient ventilation with heat recovery, glazed balconies, and high-quality integrated appliances. The Kerto LVL T-stud used in partition wall structures supports this overall quality. Straight, stable wall structures create the foundation for high-quality surface materials and a refined final result where every detail has been carefully considered.

Pikiruukin Laine offers 56 apartments across 12 residential floors. The apartments range from 34 to 133.5 square meters, and offer magnificent views of both Kokkola's old harbour bay and the area's beautiful natural surroundings. Lujatalo Oy serves as the contractor for the project developed by NSA Yhtiöt Oy.