Art out of galvanised poles

Tehomet’s standard products, galvanised steel columns, have a new role in Kilpisjärvi.

In the early stages of Tehomet’s pole production, the majority of products were galvanised steel poles. Versatile, durable, and cost-effective, galvanised poles are still a very important part of Tehomet’s product family. Over the years, the look and materials of the poles have changed. Galvanising is often hidden under very colourful paint surfaces, and new possibilities have arisen for the design of the poles. Numerous decorative pole projects have unique and elegant features, where aesthetics and design play an important role. Some of the solutions have already begun to resemble works of art. Galvanised poles have also kept their surface and have now also proved their suitability for the salon.

The Kilpisjärvi customs office has an impressive 13-metre high, 28-metre wide public artwork, TopDownTopDown. The work is made of road railings and galvanised poles, a creation by Anssi Pulkkinen and Nestori Syrjälä, who won the State Arts Council open art competition in 2019.

“The size of the artwork makes it easy to spot from passing cars. Admittedly a work next door, you can see it from different angles by car. Roadside elements, country railings and poles are familiar and recognisable to tourists, but the shapes have made the elements strange and surprising”, say the artists.