Meet Janis: A Log Cabin Is More Than a House – It’s a Living Tradition
An Interview with KM Building’s Project & Sales Director Janis
At KM Building, every cabin we create is more than just a project – it’s a deeply personal journey. To understand the heart behind our work, we sat down with our Project and Sales Director Janis, who’s been helping families and individuals bring their dream retreats to life in the mountains of Norway and Sweden.
In this interview, he shares what drives his passion, how he approaches new clients and what it truly means to build a log home that stands the test of time.
You’ve been helping people turn their dream of a mountain cabin into reality for years. What personally drives your passion for this work?
“Log homes are a timeless and traditional choice for Northern cultures. They carry a sense of authenticity and natural beauty that modern buildings often can’t replicate. Yet, every year we see fewer and fewer true log home manufacturers – many are switching to simpler, more energy-efficient construction methods. While we understand the reasons, we believe this heritage is worth preserving.”
“A true wooden house is alive – it breathes, it adapts and it creates a unique indoor climate you simply can’t get with other materials. It may not always be the most efficient in terms of insulation by today’s standards, but the value of a wooden home goes beyond that. Our mission is to refine traditional log-building techniques using modern tools, ensuring future generations will still live in log homes — not just admire them in museums.”
Every client and every cabin is different. How do you approach that first conversation to truly understand what someone wants in their future retreat?
“I begin by listening – really listening. I want to understand how the client plans to use the house. Is it for peaceful weekends? Large family holidays? Year-round living? I ask about their hobbies, what kind of outdoor activities they enjoy and what kind of lifestyle they’re hoping to embrace.”
“It’s also essential to understand their design preferences and the land itself – where is the view, where does the sun rise and set, how does the home connect to the landscape. Each detail matters, because the most successful cabins are those where form and function align perfectly with the client’s vision.”
What does ‘quality’ mean to you – beyond just good materials or a solid structure?
“To me quality is first about smart, intentional planning – using space efficiently, designing with purpose and making sure the layout supports the client’s everyday life or vacation rhythm.”
“It’s also about long-term peace of mind. A quality home should require minimal maintenance and offer reliability through the seasons. Of course, materials matter – we only work with timber we trust – but how everything comes together, how it’s planned and executed, is what defines real quality.”
You work between Latvia, Norway and Sweden – helping clients in some of the most breathtaking locations. What do you think makes a mountain cabin truly special?
“For me it’s the sensory experience. The moment you walk into a wooden house and breathe in the natural aroma of timber – that’s something unforgettable. Add to that the quiet, the clean mountain air, the warmth of the wood and the sight of the mountains from your bedroom or living room window – it creates a sense of peace that’s hard to describe.”
“Elements like high ceilings, round roof logs and open views toward nature make these cabins feel both cozy and expansive. That’s the magic of a mountain retreat.”
Looking ahead, what kind of experience do you hope every client walks away with after working with KM Building?
“I hope they feel the ‘WOW’ moment – that deep sense of satisfaction and connection when they step into their new home. The air, the atmosphere, the textures – all of it should create positive emotion. This isn’t just about building a house, it’s about building a place where people feel truly alive.”
“I believe our clients will feel happy, grounded and proud of what we’ve created together. And most of all — they’ll tell their friends about it. That’s the best sign we’ve done our job well.”
At KM Building, our work is built on trust, tradition and the belief that a wooden cabin can offer something more than shelter – it can offer a lifestyle. With over 25 years of experience and more than 200 completed cabins across Scandinavia, we’re here to make your vision a reality.
Ready to begin your journey? Contact us to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward your own timeless mountain retreat.
