Location
Uusimaa
Client
Private
Size
160m2
Status
Completed in 2024
Design Team
Julia Hertell, Kaisa Riippi, Laura Lammert, Jenni Hölttä, Anniina Ruuhilahti
Photographs
Marc Goodwin / Archmospheres and Mer Architects

Solhem

Set in a rural landscape, this family holiday home reflects the sunny spirit of its surroundings — a bright landmark amid the open fields.

The defining element of the architecture is the steeply rising roof, which softens the building’s overall height while creating a sense of spaciousness inside. The house is positioned beside a small hill, connecting directly from the loft level to the hilltop via a bridge. The pyramid-roofed building sits at the center of a long, narrow plot in a sunny and exposed location. To prevent overheating, the design features wide eaves, wooden slats for shading, and a light-colored roof that reflects heat away from the structure.

The distinctive roof form rises boldly from the meadow landscape. The main building, together with the shed and pergola structures, form an embracing courtyard for outdoor living. Large windows open toward a beautiful lakeside view beyond the meadow, further enhancing the sense of openness.

The structure is made of CLT (cross-laminated timber), and it uses natural ventilation for healthy indoor air flow. The façades feature vertical timber cladding painted light yellow with linseed oil paint. Inside, the textured CLT walls highlight the building’s structure. The large stone tiles on the ground floor create a warm surface, chosen for their durability against scratches and heavy use. Built-in furniture is seamlessly integrated into the CLT walls, and storage has been cleverly optimized to make the most of every space.