At the end of February, 11 Estonian timber and architecture companies and the Estonian Woodhouse Association Woodhouse Estonia participated in Korea Build 2025, Asia’s leading construction and architecture fair, to showcase sustainable and innovative timber solutions.
The Estonian joint stand and presentations by manufacturers and architects attracted considerable attention, as the local market is actively seeking eco-friendly materials and modular solutions. In this area, Estonia is at the forefront of innovation. Participation in the fair brought Estonian companies new clients and collaboration partners within the first few days.
During the Off-Site Construction (industrial construction) conference of Korea Build 2025, Annika Kadaja, CEO of Woodhouse Estonia, introduced Estonian timber and modular construction solutions to local construction and technology companies. “Both the fair and the presentations by Estonian companies provided significant visibility for Estonia’s timber housing sector, and interest in our solutions has grown noticeably. As Europe’s largest exporter of prefabricated wooden houses, Estonia is a leader in timber construction innovation. The South Korean market is particularly interested in modular and low-carbon construction—areas where we have much to offer,” explained Kadaja.
“It was our first time participating in the Korea Build fair, and we had no idea there would be such strong interest in Estonian log houses. We sold two houses on the very first day.”
Mikk Volkov, CEO of Estonian Log Cabins
“We were surprised by the local media’s interest in Estonian companies. At a press conference organised by the Enterprise Estonia (EIS) during the fair, representatives from 13 media outlets participated, and their in-depth questions revealed just how hungry South Korea is for knowledge about timber construction,” she added.
Estonian Log Cabin sold two wooden houses on the first day. Photo: Enterprise Estonia
The fair resulted in successful deals for companies
For some companies, the fair’s first days already resulted in successful deals. “Regulatory changes currently taking place in the South Korean market allow for the construction of larger additional buildings with less bureaucracy, creating favourable conditions for Estonian modular and log house manufacturers,” noted Soonhee Bae, Enterprise Estonia’s Export Adviser in South Korea.
“It was our first time participating in the Korea Build fair, and we had no idea there would be such strong interest in Estonian log houses. We sold two houses on the very first day,” shared Mikk Volkov, CEO of Estonian Log Cabins, a log house manufacturer based in Tartumaa.
FACTS
51% of Estonia is covered by forests.
Estonia is #1 exporter of prefabricated wooden houses in Europe.
16% of the added value created in Estonia is by the wood sector.
For the first time, over 150 Korean architects, interior designers, and construction company representatives attended an Estonian architecture and design seminar at the fair. Estonian architects introduced wooden houses and modular design solutions, strengthening Estonia’s position in sustainable architecture and building connections with local partners. “We gained attention and potential leads for the future. Korean partners were keen to learn more about Estonian technologies, and negotiations are underway to adapt them for the Korean market,” said Renee Puusepp, the architect and founder of Creatomus Solutions.
South Korea interested in Estonian sustainable timber materials
Additionally, Estonian manufacturers’ sustainable timber materials attracted attention, as the South Korean construction sector is shifting towards environmentally friendly materials aligned with carbon neutrality goals. Estonian companies’ successful participation in Korea Build 2025 confirmed that Estonian timber, modular, and architectural solutions are highly valued in Asia as well. Collaboration with South Korean partners opens up new growth opportunities and strengthens Estonian companies’ international competitiveness.
Korea Build 2025 took place in South Korea from 19-22 February. The Estonian joint stand, organised by EIS, featured the following companies: Arcwood, Avrame, Creatomus Solutions, Estonian Log Cabins, Molumba, One Architects, Puidukoda, Saviukumaja, Saunum Saunas, Tene Kaubandus, and Vara Saeveski. Participation in the fair was co-financed by the European Union.
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