Paanuaita (“shingle fence”) Modular fence concept
1st Prize Wood Surface Competition by Karava
Design Jukka Jokinen & Heikki Konu
This modular yard fence concept is a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional wooden shingle surface. The fence surface is composed of weather-resistant, approximately 40 cm long thermally modified wood boards, which can be manufactured from surplus material generated in Karava’s production.
The fence consists of easily connectable modules, allowing the concept to adapt to a wide range of sites and contexts. It responds to the need to combine privacy, aesthetics, and circular economy thinking in outdoor spaces, while offering a low-maintenance and visually distinctive solution for detached and terraced house yards.
With lighting, the pattern of the fence is beautifully highlighted in the evenings and at night.
The fence can be easily manufactured as modules of varying heights, depending on whether it is intended as a boundary fence or a privacy screen. Different surface patterns are also possible by shaping the ends of the “shingles.”
Awarded design
We have won Karava’s annual design competition with our concept “Paanuaita.”
This year’s theme focused on wooden fences and privacy screens, and it was inspiring to explore a fresh interpretation of traditional wooden shingles.
Jury 2025, Karava Wooden Surface Design Competition
The chair of the jury was Jaana Karell | Karell Design, an industrial designer specializing in wood product design (M.A.). The jury also included interior architect Piia Seppänen from Kärävä Oy and landscape designer / green construction specialist Helga Andersson.
“Paanuaita is a competition entry fully deserving of first prize, combining exemplary use of wood material, aesthetics, manufacturing, logistics, and versatility. The fence can easily be imagined in a public setting — for example, on a hotel terrace — as well as in residential areas or cottage environments.
While shingle surfaces are widely used in interior architecture and in the roofs and façades of buildings, shingles have not been applied to fences in the way this concept presents. The three-dimensional quality of the shingle surface is beautifully highlighted through lighting in the visualizations, and one can imagine naturally greying wood adding its own character to the fence over time. An additional contemporary value comes from the possibility of utilizing production offcuts. The concept has been impressively developed into a complete proposal, showcasing modularity and variations using shingles of different shapes.”
Jury of Wood Surface Competition
