Renewal of the North Battery Decking at Olavinlinna Castle, Savonlinna

Renovation Work in a Historic Setting

Jokiväri was responsible for renewing approximately 400 m² of decking at the North Battery of Olavinlinna Castle. The site was exceptional for us. The historic setting, special materials and challenging conditions made the project truly unique.

The new decking was built using stonewood, a material that had not previously been used at Olavinlinna Castle. The work was carried out during months of heavy snowfall, which added further challenges to the project. Working at a height of 13 metres and removing snow required particular care, but despite the difficult conditions, the project progressed according to schedule.

Materials Transported by Helicopter

The most visible part of the project was the use of a helicopter for material logistics. The work area is located on an upper level with no direct access for heavy machinery. As the contractor, we determined that helicopter transport was:

• the most practical and safest overall solution
• a way to lift materials directly to the work area
• an effective method of significantly reducing the need for lifting equipment inside and around the castle

Heavier materials are normally transported to the castle by water through the Kyrönsalmi Strait, but for this project, helicopter transport was clearly the optimal solution.

The Final Result

The North Battery received new, durable stonewood decking that will develop a beautiful patina over time and serve the castle for decades to come. The project was completed in time for summer, allowing visitors to see the renewed area for the first time.

This project gave our team an exceptional opportunity to carry out a different type of work in demanding conditions and within a historic setting. Projects like this bring variety to everyday work and allow employees to apply their expertise in new situations while further developing their professional skills.