A timber-framed apartment block built with prefabricated modules of cross-laminated timber, one of the first examples of this type of building in the world, is in the running for a prestigious award from the Finnish Association of Architects.

Named Puukuokka, the eight-storey apartment building was designed by Finnish studio OOPEAA for housing developer Lakea Oy. According to architect and studio founder Anssi Lassila, it is the tallest wooden apartment block in Finland and one of the first high-rise examples of prefabricated cross-laminated time construction in the world.

"Wood is a very good building material for many different types of buildings and I don't think that we have yet seen its full potential," said Lassila. "It has been estimated that, when realised in accordance with these regulations, a wooden apartment building is 50 times more fire safe than a similar apartment building made of concrete."

The Finlandia Prize for Architecture recognises the best new building either in Finland or by a Finnish architect. The prize was launched by the Finnish Association of Architects in 2014. The first winner was the Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw, Poland, by Helsinki firm Lahdelma & Mahlamäki Architects.

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