The clients considered getting new house for their retirement. A lot at the edge of the city and forest finally convinced them. Despite the lot being relatively large, the construction was limited by zoning plan. However, after assessment of the risks we did recommend to buy the lot and we started to design a barrier-free, spacious house that would look more like a summer cottage to be happily visited by grandchildren.
The open living space is the heart of the house; facing the forest and illuminated through the skylights and gallery. The gallery serves as a hidden playroom for the grandchildren. The outdoor terrace extends the inner living space, forming a transition between living room and garden without obstructing the view, with a sliding glass wall allowing a year-round use. The eastern part of the house is designed for the guests in a rather informal spirit, its layout can be changed as needed. The western part is used by the owners with sauna accessible through outer terrace.

The house is built with ceramic blocks with mineral fibres. The roof frame, made of lightly bleached wood, is visible in the interior. The ceilings consist of beams, with a concrete slab cast into wooden boarding. The distinctive and low ceilings create the intimate space of the bedroom wings as a counterweight to the central open living room. White façade stucco alternating with charred spruce cladding creates an impression of temporality. The wooden elements, including the façade, were finished by the owners themselves so that they could participate in the final appearance of their house.
We also designed an interior that lightly enhances the natural character of the house and includes some pieces of furniture the owner brought from their previous home.