On Saturday, June 7, 2025, the 15th annual competition for handcrafted log house builders will take place at the Estonian Open Air Museum (Tallinn, Vabaõhumuuseumi tee 12/1). This spectacular competition of vocational mastery is organized by the Estonian Woodhouse Association in cooperation with RMK (State Forest Management Centre).
This unique event brings together professional craftsmen, vocational students, and enthusiasts of traditional log construction. As competition partner Ragner Lõbu (Hobbiton OÜ) highlights: “Wood is a key material in modern construction – it allows us to combine traditions with new technologies. Estonia’s forests and timber are part of our identity. It is vital to maintain a balance between nature, people, and the economy, guided by the principles of sustainability. Log house building embodies the wisdom of forest people, craftsmanship, and the highest value-added use of wood.”
Participants are expected from abroad, including France, Canada, and Latvia. The competition day is open to the public – visitors will have a great opportunity to observe the work process, speak with the craftsmen, ask for advice, or even place an order.
At the competition, visitors can witness an impressive demonstration of skills in shaping key construction elements of log houses – corner joints and grooves. The competition is held in three categories: professionals, students, and axemen. This year, professionals will build a sample corner that is assigned by the organizer – the Estonian square notch with wind-lock. Students and axemen can choose between several traditional joint types. The results will be judged by experienced experts, who will evaluate speed, precision, and workmanship.
Madis Jaaska has fiercely held on to the championship title in the professionals’ category for the past few years. Last year, he completed the task in just 15 minutes and 15 seconds, although some penalty minutes brought the final result to 22 minutes and 53 seconds. But the event is not only about competition – it is a gathering of log house enthusiasts, aiming to preserve and develop traditional craftsmanship both in Estonia and internationally.
Maiker Reimann, a long-time participant and former winner in the professionals’ category, emphasized the unifying spirit of the event: “We’re more like colleagues than competitors – the biggest competition is with yourself. I won’t quit until I’ve done my best work, but there’s always room to improve.”
See more about the competition: https://woodhouse.ee/et/flex/kasitoo-palkmajaehitajate-meistrivoistlus-2025/
The competition is organized by Woodhouse Estonia and RMK in cooperation with Hiiumaa Ametikool, Hobbiton OÜ and Eesti Vabaõhumuuseum. Participation is for free!
Sponsors: AkzoNobel, ESSVE, Senco, Puumarket, Husqvarna and Rothoblaas.