Aura Church
Customer: Lieto Parish
Location: Turuntie 437, Aura
Completed: 2023
Area: n. 600 brm2
Aura Church and its grounds are part of the Nationally Valuable Landscape Area (VAMA) of Aurajokilaakso. Designed by architect Axel Almfelt, the church was constructed of timbers in 1804 under the direction of Mikael Piimänen. Other churches built by Piimänen are Iniö Church (1800), Pöytyä Church (1793), Yläne Church (1782) and Tarvasjoki Church (1779). The roof of the cross-in-square church was built with a steeper pitch than specified in the original drawings.
A renovation project was planned and carried out in two phases during 2020-2023. During the first phase in 2020, the roofs and the façade of the church and bell tower were painted. The materials and working methods used were chosen based on colour and laboratory research conducted in cooperation with the Finnish Heritage Agency. A majority of the renovations were carried out during the second phase in 2023. The goal was to make general maintenance repairs as well as improve the versatility, accessibility, energy-efficiency and fire safety of the church building. These improvements were made in accordance with cultural-historical and aesthetic requirements in cooperation with the client and museum, safety and construction supervision authorities.
The versatility of the church facilities was improved by introducing flexible furniture solutions and technical updates. The fixed pews at the front of the nave were replaced with high-quality, adaptable loose seating and the lighting system was updated to be adjustable and programmable. An accessible toilet was built and ramps were installed to allow access from the parking lot to the altar. Electrical and fire safety systems were updated and the heating system was improved with the addition of an air heat pump to better meet future energy-efficiency challenges. Traditional working methods were used in making general maintenance repairs. Windows and doors were repaired by means of wood patching. In the painting of interior surfaces, modern-day chemical health requirements and the preservation of historic painted surfaces under new layers of paint were coordinated.