Project: Finnish Lakeside Retreat
Architecture: Playa Architects
Location: Luumäki, Finland
Area: 148 m2
Year: 2021
Photo Credits: Tuomas Uusheimo
Playa Architects designed the Finnish Lakeside Retreat, a lakeside villa created for a Finnish family living abroad. This modern holiday home draws inspiration from traditional Finnish holiday estates, where smaller structures like saunas, summer kitchens, and guest rooms typically accompany the main building. In an environmentally conscious approach, the Finnish Lakeside Retreat gathers all these functions under one roof, thereby minimizing the building footprint and reducing its impact on the natural surroundings.
A Contemporary Take on Finnish Tradition
At the heart of the Finnish Lakeside Retreat lies a modern reinterpretation of the classic pitched-roof barn, a familiar feature in the Finnish countryside. Playa Architects carved out covered outdoor spaces from the main structure, creating functional terraces with specific purposes. Each terrace is thoughtfully positioned to optimize sunlight, thus strengthening the family’s connection to nature.
- Eastern terrace: This area serves as the main entrance and captures the morning sun, making it the perfect spot to start the day.
- Southwestern terrace: Designed to shield the main living space from overheating, this terrace also functions as a sun deck and outdoor kitchen, thereby extending the indoor spaces during summer.
- Northwestern terrace: Serving as a cooling-off area for the sauna, this small terrace faces the sunset, providing a peaceful spot for relaxation.
Maximizing the Connection to Nature
To fully embrace the stunning surroundings, Playa Architects oriented the main living area—including the kitchen, dining, and living rooms—toward the lake. This orientation allows the family to take full advantage of natural light and scenic views. Meanwhile, the private areas, such as the bedrooms and bathrooms, face the forest to ensure both shade and seclusion. As a result, this thoughtful layout allows the family to enjoy bright, open spaces with lake views while retreating to cooler, more intimate areas for privacy and relaxation.
Additionally, the summer rooms, which are accessible from the terrace, can be left unheated during the winter, helping conserve energy. This feature highlights Playa Architects’ dedication to sustainability and eco-friendly design.
Sustainable Materials and Natural Aesthetics
For the Finnish Lakeside Retreat, the architects opted for a traditional balloon frame with wood fiber insulation and spruce cladding. Over time, the cladding will weather naturally, allowing the building to gradually blend into the forest when viewed from the lake. This subtle fading not only enhances the villa’s connection to its surroundings but also reinforces its minimalist design philosophy.
Inside, the house features spruce flooring and ceilings, while the walls are paneled with pine plywood. These natural materials create a serene, rustic interior that contrasts with the family’s everyday urban life. As a result, the careful choice of materials fosters a calm atmosphere, making the Finnish Lakeside Retreat a true sanctuary.
A Harmonious Blend of Tradition and Modernity
In conclusion, the Finnish Lakeside Retreat, designed by Playa Architects, masterfully blends traditional Finnish design elements with modern sustainability. By bringing together the functions of a typical Finnish holiday estate under one roof and incorporating natural materials, the retreat minimizes its environmental impact while maximizing both beauty and practicality. As a result, this thoughtfully designed lakeside home serves as a perfect sanctuary for the family, offering a peaceful space to relax and reconnect with nature.
