Modest Country House in Finland

Modest Country House in Finland

© Marc Goodwin

Architectural bureau Arkkitehtitoimisto Teemu Pirinen implemented a project for a client who inherited from his father a McMansion with poor layout and pompous garden with well-maintained lawns in the city of Iisalmi, Finland. The new owner found the residence too large and difficult to maintain. The client wanted to restore the plot in a pine forest and build a small house that would fully interact with the surrounding landscape.

The 194 square meter space consists of three adjacent blocks, each resembling a modern take on a rural barn. All three wings have different areas and heights, adhering to their functional purpose and creating a defined hierarchy and continuity.

Given the stunning views in all directions, architects did not want to emphasize any single panorama, so the glazing covers nearly all walls in the house, offering a 245-degree view. All zones of the daytime block are designed to repeat the cycle of sunlight movement, starting with breakfast at sunrise and ending with dinner at sunset.

Each room in the house has a separate exit. The distinctive Y-shaped form of the residence protects the terraces from the wind and makes them an excellent addition to the interior spaces.

The house structure is slightly elevated above ground level, making it appear as if it floats in the air, slowly drifting toward the lake. From the living room, you see neither the shore nor the surrounding area—only the calm water delights the eye.

Externally, the residence is designed so that from the main entrance side it appears closed, old, and traditional, while on the opposite side facing the lake there is active glazing in a modern style. The wood used for exterior finishing is left untreated to gradually acquire a gray tone over time, making the house unobtrusive and visually reducing its size.

Inside the home, white-painted spruce dominates, not drawing attention but leaving all the glory of the beautiful nature outside the windows. The only strong element is a black fireplace in the living room, which contrasts beautifully with the white kitchen.

Photos: Marc Goodwin