House tour: In the forests of Finland lies an architectural haven

By MiNDFOOD

<em>3-Square House, Studio Puisto Architects Ltd (Photography: Marc Goodwin)</em>
3-Square House, Studio Puisto Architects Ltd (Photography: Marc Goodwin)
Through a dense spruce forest, in a clearing, three interlocking square masses stand guard over a landscape that serves up nature’s beauty on a platter.

As the trees thin out on the approach, the house begins to reveal its presence as twinkling fragments catch the eye through brown trunks.

3-Square House, Studio Puisto Architects Ltd (Photography: Marc Goodwin)

Clear of the coniferous assembly, the fuss becomes apparent—an alluring lake scenery framed by tall, graceful birch trees, looking like a scene out of a painting.

Positioned to enjoy the view, yet remain private, and also closed off from the nearest neighbours, the design conscientiously maximises the views where it can. Instead of curtains, a sun-blind is integrated into the architecture along the façade, keeping heat out, but letting the view in.

3-Square House, Studio Puisto Architects Ltd (Photography: Marc Goodwin)

This creativity extends into the layout as well, with no traditional division of spaces, with the option of sliding doors to either confine space, or create it.

The main mass contains living, sleeping, and dining areas, while the other areas contain a sauna, and utility and technical facilities; most of the functionality is set within a main core that shares the same coordinate system with the other main cores, clarifying the spatial connection.

3-Square House, Studio Puisto Architects Ltd (Photography: Marc Goodwin)

The most important element of the interior, of course, is the landscape, and it is drawn in with the use of large glass windows and doors that are 7.5 feet (2.3 meters) tall, also favouring natural light.

3-Square House, Studio Puisto Architects Ltd (Photography: Marc Goodwin)

Where light floods in in some areas, it is also consciously limited in others, such as the living room, to reflect the atmosphere of the woods outside. As the passing day and changing seasons play on the landscape, beautiful scenery performances are staged to fulfill every viewing pleasure.

Extract from ‘Beautiful Houses by the Water: Living at the Water’s Edge’ published by The Images Publishing Group.

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