On June 7, 2025, the 15th International Competition for Handcrafted Log House Builders took place at the Estonian Open Air Museum in Tallinn. The event gathered 29 participants from Estonia, Canada, France, and Latvia. The championship confirmed that the tradition of log building is not only alive but evolving and inspiring: young learners, seasoned masters, and a tight-knit community continue to uphold and develop traditional woodworking skills.
A stunning new record was set in the professionals’ category – Alari Suun completed his task in just 17 minutes and 55 seconds. Is it even possible to beat that? “It’s all more about mindset than handling tools. You need to know exactly how, what, and why you’re doing something. Speed comes from purpose-driven action,” explained Suun, who believes there’s still “a couple of minutes’ margin if everything clicks perfectly.”
Alari also set the record in the axemen’s category last year – 41 minutes and 5 seconds – a record that held firm this year. He was one of five determined competitors who took part in both the professional and axemen categories. Alongside Veiko Palm, both managed to reach the podium in both divisions. This year, Palm took the victory in the axemen’s category, where power tools were not allowed.
In the students’ category, the most dramatic performance came from Madis Parik – a mistake mid-competition would have discouraged many. But his resilience, precise correction work, and determination to carry on led him to victory. “When it feels like everything is falling apart, you still have to push, give your best, and see it through. That’s when new possibilities can emerge,” commented Parik, a graduate of the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy.
Competition Results by Category
Professionals
Competition task: Estonian square notch with wind-lock
- 1st place – Alari Suun (Hobbiton OÜ)
Speed: 15:31 | Final Time: 17:55 - 2nd place – Maiker Reimann (Noodapera OÜ)
Speed: 17:43 | Final Time: 23:25 - 3rd place – Veiko Palm (Palmaster OÜ)
Speed: 16:12 | Final Time: 25:54
Students (vocational learners)
- 1st place – Madis Parik (Viljandi Culture Academy, University of Tartu)
Speed: 36:17 | Final Time: 1:01:28 - 2nd place – Juri Kozlov (Hiiumaa Vocational School)
Speed: 49:45 | Final Time: 1:07:32 - 3rd place – Erik Haavam (Hiiumaa Vocational School)
Speed: 53:03 | Final Time: 1:23:38
Axemen (manual tools only)
- 1st place – Veiko Palm (Palmaster OÜ)
Speed: 45:50 | Final Time: 48:20 - 2nd place – Alari Suun (Hobbiton OÜ)
Speed: 42:17 | Final Time: 1:03:58 - 3rd place – Mikk Mustmaa (Majakratt OÜ)
Speed: 1:07:42 | Final Time: 1:13:52
“The championship is not just a test of technical skills – it’s a celebration of traditional construction, a motivator for the next generation, and a joyful tribute to craftsmanship. Today’s results show that woodworking skills and value-added use of timber are very much alive in Estonia. When we combine experience, education, and collaboration, the future of log building is sustainable and inspiring. We’re proud to see this field not in decline but on the rise,” said Annika Kadaja, CEO of the Estonian Woodhouse Association.
Ahto Naruski, a steadfast participant in all 15 editions of the competition, has made it to the podium every year – until this one. His dedication and perseverance did not go unnoticed. Sponsors honored him with a special award, presented by Kyocera Fastening Solutions and Rothoblaas. Other winners also received generous prizes from supporters, including Husqvarna battery-powered chainsaws with batteries and chargers, nail guns from Kyocera Fastening Solutions, ESSVE tool kits, AkzoNobel wood protection oils, Puumarket gift cards, and many other high-quality tools and materials. These awards are a sign of trust and respect – log house builders hold real value in the eyes of the industry.
The championship was organized by Woodhouse Estonia and RMK in cooperation with Hiiumaa Ametikool, Hobbiton OÜ and Eesti Vabaõhumuuseum.
Sponsors: AkzoNobel, ESSVE, Kyocera Fastening Solutions, Puumarket, Husqvarna and Rothoblaas.
Next summer, the log house builders’ championship will move to Hiiumaa, where the 2026 edition will once again bring together top masters and future talents. The Estonian Woodhouse Association thanks all participants and supporters – and once again, congratulations to all winners!