Architecture
Villa Skeppet: Alvar Aalto’s last private home is monumental yet intimate
Designed by Alvar Aalto, Villa Skeppet is located near the center of Ekenäs, Finland. Aalto designed the house in the late 1960s for his close friend, writer Göran Schildt, and Schildt’s wife, Christine. Villa Skeppet would become the last private home Aalto designed during his career.
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KOKO3 designs stunning new junior suites for Hanaholmen
The new junior suites at Hanaholmen hotel in Helsinki are designed by interior architect Jukka Halminen of KOKO3. Finnish Design Shop’s Trade & Contract Sales supplied part of the suites’ interior products.
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For a discerning taste – Fjällen Lumière Penthouse brings refined luxury to Levi
At the foot of the Levi ski slopes in Finnish Lapland, you’ll find a penthouse rental defined by its modern, understated elegance. Finnish Design Shop’s Studio took part in designing this high-end leisure retreat in Levi, creating a setting where contemporary design meets the dramatic Arctic landscape.
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Designed for life – the story of Reima’s new office
In Helsinki’s Vallila district, behind the historic walls of the old Kravattitehdas, Reima's new office celebrates the beauty of time, play, and patina. Step inside to see what happened when design studio Fyra and Finnish Design Shop's Trade & Contract Sales joined forces to create a space filled with character and an effortless sense of well-being.
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In the footsteps of Alvar Aalto – An architectural tour of his hometown Jyväskylä
Alvar Aalto designed nearly 30 buildings in and around his hometown of Jyväskylä, located in Central Finland. Among them are some of his most internationally acclaimed works, which encapsulate his multifaceted and human-centered approach to architecture. The city also features lesser-known early projects, whose tradition-inspired architecture may come as a surprise.
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Meet Lippa – Helsinki’s new summer hangout
How did an abandoned canopy kiosk spark the transformation into this summer’s liveliest meeting spot? Design Stories met up with Hilma Kotkaniemi, who – together with Olavi Uusivirta – turned a forgotten “lippakioski” site on Helsinki’s Mustikkamaa island into the wildly popular Lippa restaurant. The cozy, sun-drenched terrace was brought to life in collaboration with Finnish Design Shop’s Contract Sales team.
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Tove Jansson’s studio: A creative sanctuary and the birthplace of the Moomins
High above the rooftops of Helsinki, Tove Jansson made her home in a quiet studio where creativity took center stage. Comforts were secondary – what mattered most was the work. Design Stories was given the rare opportunity to visit this atmospheric space, sure to move any fan of the Moomins.
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A visit to Studio Aalto, the heart of Alvar Aalto’s creative work
When Alvar Aalto designed a new building for his architectural practice in Helsinki in the mid-1950s, he created a light-filled studio space with gently curved walls and a view of a courtyard shaped like an amphitheater. Join Design Stories for a visit to Studio Aalto – a place where creativity, architecture, and everyday life intertwined.
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TEK Lounge in Tampere, Finland, offers a cozy campus living room for students
Located on the Hervanta campus of Tampere University, the newly renovated TEK Lounge is a welcoming hub for technology students. We spoke with designer Ilkka Palinperä about the redesign of this popular space and the seamless collaboration with Finnish Design Shop’s Trade & Contract Sales team, who supplied nearly all of the lounge’s furniture.
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KOKO3 designed an office for Dottir that breaks all industry stereotypes
Law firm Dottir is anything but conventional – and it doesn’t try to be. This is evident in its office designed by KOKO3, where a bold interior filled with contemporary art feels more like an art gallery than a traditional law firm.
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The House of Northern Lights weaves an unbreakable bond with Lapland’s nature
Joiku Ski & Lake Chalets is a newly completed complex of 17 luxurious villas, located in the heart of Finnish Lapland. The interior design of the standout flagship villa, The House of Northern Lights, was curated by Finnish Design Shop Studio.
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Eero Saarinen’s iconic design transformed: TWA Hotel breathes new life into a decommissioned airport terminal
Eero Saarinen’s iconic TWA Flight Center at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport has been reimagined as a luxury airport hotel. Opened in 2019, the TWA Hotel beautifully preserves Saarinen’s visionary design while celebrating the spirit of the 1960s.
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Alvar Aalto’s Finlandia Hall enters a new era
Located in the heart of Helsinki, Finlandia Hall has reopened its doors to locals and visitors alike after an extensive three-year renovation. The iconic event venue, designed by Alvar Aalto, now offers a unique opportunity to stay overnight, as two former staff apartments have been restored and transformed into accommodation.
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Restaurant Bouchon Carême brings effortless charm to central Helsinki
Bouchon Carême offers sweeping views of bustling Aleksanterinkatu, right in the heart of Helsinki. Set within the historic Lundqvist building, the restaurant blends French elegance, market hall-inspired design, and an inviting atmosphere. Finnish Design Shop’s Contract Sales helped furnish this exceptional space.
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This vacation home blends modern design with Finnish archipelago charm
A vacation home on Kimitoön in Southwest Finland underwent a complete transformation when Finnish Design Shop’s Studio redesigned its interior. The gray cliffs, archipelago pines, and the home’s unique details served as inspiration for the design.
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Nin Hao is a harmonius fusion of Fujianese heritage and Nordic-inspired design
From art installations to surprising dining setups, every detail of Brooklyn restaurant Nin Hao is crafted to invite curiosity and connection. Finnish Design Shop’s Contract Sales were involved in curating the unique scene – join us as we explore this ever-evolving space where culture, design, and community come together!
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The new Finnair Lounge at Helsinki Airport combines comfort with Nordic design
Finnair’s new lounge areas offer a calming respite before boarding. The airy spaces decorated with Nordic design were created by Studio Joanna Laajisto. The majority of the products were ordered via Finnish Design Shop’s Contract Sales.
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Alvar Aalto and the colors of the Paimio Sanatorium
The Paimio Sanatorium is considered to be one of Alvar Aalto’s most important works. The functionalist building was built as a tuberculosis sanatorium. It is situated in the middle of a beautiful pine forest in Paimio, Finland, and is an impressive site up to this day.
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Kantola in Sunila is a captivating convergence of Aalto and the timber trade
Kantola, designed by Alvar Aalto, is part of the culturally significant Sunila residential area in Kotka, Finland. This unique factory manager’s home has always been more than just a residence – it’s a space for hosting and gathering together.
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Discover your dream getaway – explore Piperi House in the Greek Cyclades
Set in the turquoise embrace of the Aegean Sea, Piperi House by Sigurd Larsen is a striking architectural feat. Enjoy the breathtaking images and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of this experiential residence.
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The renovated interior of Hotel Royal in Vaasa combines bold colors and unique patterns
The renovated tower building of the Original Sokos Hotel Royal in Vaasa opened in February 2024. The interior design was led by the award-winning Helsinki-based KOKO3, which even designed completely new upholstery fabrics for the hotel. Finnish Design Shop’s Contract Sales supplied a large portion of the hotel’s furniture.
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Sponda’s Helsinki office embraces hybrid work
What kind of office space best supports the evolving ways of working? This was the question tackled by Studio Joanna Laajisto’s team as they designed the new premises for real estate development company Sponda in downtown Helsinki. Some of the furniture for the project was sourced through Finnish Design Shop’s Contract Sales.
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The Aalto House in Helsinki surprises with its timelessness
The Helsinki home of Alvar and Aino Aalto, and later Elissa Aalto, remains as modern today as it was nearly a hundred years ago. Discover the charming home of the Aaltos in Helsinki with Design Stories!
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The Sandbox’s headquarters in Los Angeles serve as an entryway into the metaverse
The new headquarters of gaming company The Sandbox in Culver City, Los Angeles, mimic the virtual world in a tactile way. Finnish Design Shop’s Contract Sales had the pleasure of participating in a project that will help put Finnish interior architecture on the map.
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Finn Juhl’s House is an embodiment of Danish style and cozy atmosphere – with discreet splashes of color
Finn Juhl is one of the best-known Danish designers and architects. He designed his home, located north of Copenhagen, to be a “total work of art”, including the architecture, clever color choices and sculptural furniture. Join us on a tour of the Finn Juhl House!
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César Manrique: The visionary artist who transformed Lanzarote
César Manrique left an indelible mark on Lanzarote, blending art, nature, and community. Explore his life, works like Jameos del Agua and Mirador del Río, and his enduring legacy.
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Renovation turned a dark and dreary house into a cozy and spacious home for a family with children
Now that the extensive renovation project is almost complete, the atrium house built in the 1970s no longer resembles a haunted house but provides an attractive home for a family with children. The goal was to restore the original atmosphere of the brick house.
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Modern log house Villa Havu delights with its light-toned spruce surfaces
The vision of interior designer Laura Seppänen on light spruce surfaces combined with timeless interior decoration creates a serene atmosphere for Villa Havu, one of the favorite houses at the 2023 Loviisa Housing Fair. Finnish Design Shop’s Contract Sales had the pleasure to be involved in furnishing Villa Havu.
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Matri House is a cozy B&B in the Mathildedal ironworks village – and a resort where a good night’s sleep is a matter of honor
Finnish bed manufacturer Matri has opened an intimate boutique B&B in the picturesque Mathildedal ironworks village. What makes the place particularly interesting is that the old building is decorated with modern Nordic design. Finnish Design Shop’s Contract Sales helped furnish the stunning B&B.
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Hotel Sandsund – Join us on a tour of the exclusive rooms in the historic villa
In spring 2022, Design Stories interviewed a group of friends who embarked on an ambitious project to transform historical Villa Sandsund into a new kind of boutique hotel offering effortless luxury. Now Design Stories returns to Tampere and Hotel Sandsund.
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Café Savoy brings an elegant French atmosphere to the center of Helsinki
Restaurant Savoy, a true Helsinki classic, now has a French sibling located in the same building. The interior of the new Café Savoy was designed by Studio Joanna Laajisto.
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The refreshingly retro Lunain is a piece of Paris at its finest
Get ready to be swept off your feet and transported to the heart of Paris with this stunning Art Nouveau apartment renovation. With a mix of vibes from the 1920s and the 1970s, the apartment balances modern comfort with timeless elegance. From the original stained-glass windows to the striking marble marvel of a bathroom, this apartment is a one-of-a-kind oeuvre.
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Say goodbye to dull home offices and stuffy corporate spaces – Linden Palais is a luxurious oasis for office returnees
Norm Architects and TOG teamed up to create a stunning office space in the heart of Berlin that’s so chic, you’ll forget you’re actually being productive. Don’t believe us? Take a peek inside the recently opened Linden Palais, where work and play are perfectly balanced.
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Newil&Bau builds new and renovates old while respecting the spirit and identity of each area
The Finnish apartment developer Newil&Bau has become known for its innovative projects that blend visionary architecture with concepts created by interior architects. One of the company’s latest projects, 76&Piha, is located in Helsinki and involves transforming a former office complex into a modern residential building.
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More room, less rooms – Edition Office’s Melburnian replaces linearity with a lavish labyrinth
Melburnian, a unique high-rise apartment designed by Edition Office, invites you to explore and interpret living space from a new perspective, without traditional room divisions. The simultaneously open and intimate space creates an experiential framework for both core everyday activities and rest.
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Captivating contrasting colors – Futurice’s new Helsinki office supports the active atmosphere of the working community
Futurice, an outcome-focused digital transformation company, has built its workspaces around the company’s highly interactive organizational culture. The result is a relaxed and playful yet stylish office for a new age, designed by Rune & Berg Design. Take a tour with us!
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Craving for gray? Villa Radal is a sculpture in the company of paintings
Imagine a house that is almost completely gray – from floor to ceiling, inside and out. Do you envision it being dull? Perhaps soothing? Whatever you had in mind, you weren't prepared for this. Join us for a tour at Villa Radal, a sculptural tour de force by Olsson Lyckefors architects, that has us going cray over gray.
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Architecture on a human scale – join us on a tour of Finnish Design Shop’s facilities in Turku
Finnish Design Shop’s new logistics center was designed to blend in with the surrounding forest and meet the strict requirements of the environmental certification BREEAM. In an interview with Design Stories, interior architect Joanna Laajisto describes how the large warehouse was made cozy and inviting.
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Holiday home by Þingvallavatn is rooted deep in local traditions
Holiday home by Þingvallavatn is an arresting masterpiece by KRADS, located in the dream-like landscapes of Iceland’s southwest coast. The building overlooking the mountains and lake Þingvallavatn offers a connection to nature and culture unlike no other.
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Villa Ervi is a one of a kind oasis designed by Aarne Ervi, located in the middle of Helsinki
Villa Ervi is a prestigious building located in the maritime landscape of Kuusisaari, Helsinki, built by architect Aarne Ervi for his family in 1951. The exceptional complex also includes an astounding office building completed in 1962. Take a tour at Villa Ervi with us!
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Art Sauna of the Serlachius Museums – what an experience!
Sauna and architecture lovers are in for a treat at the unique Art Sauna of the Serlachius Museums, opened in Mänttä-Vilppula, Finland, in the summer of 2022.
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Villa MSV evolves together with the nature around it
Designed by Johan Sundberg Arkitektur, Villa MSV is a private home perfected with inventive details, combining Scandinavian minimalism and a deep-rooted connection with nature.
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A Japanese garden on a Finnish island – Villa Nuottaranta exudes calmness and inspiration
Villa Nuottaranta, which consists of a residential building representative of 1960s functionalism and a Japanese-style garden with numerous tea rooms, provided a unique location for vintage service Franckly’s photo shoot.
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The renovation of the Jyväskylä University Library won the 2022 Finlandia Prize for Architecture
The Jyväskylä University Library Lähde still exudes the fresh spirit of the 1970s but now, thanks to the renovation completed in 2021, it also meets the needs of today. Join Design Stories on a tour of the Lähde library that won the 2022 Finlandia Prize for Architecture!
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The wonderful Villa Ekkulla combines the best aspects of 70s interior design
What will be the end result when an interior architect is given the task of updating a 1970s villa – and free rein? In this case it's timeless, softly soothing and uniquely beautiful interior design. We visited Villa Ekkulla on Kimitoön in Southwest Finland and learned how the interior was created.
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A multisensory sanctuary – Federal House stretches the concept of indoors and outdoors
The Federal House, designed by Edition Office appears like a mystical mirage amidst the rugged landscape of the Australian hinterland. Behind the atramentous façade of the building, a true oasis emerges – a sanctuary that seamlessly combines outdoor and indoor spaces.
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Alvar Aalto’s controversial Sugar Cube opens its doors to the public
Enso-Gutzeit’s head office was a total work of art for Alvar Aalto, whose office designed every detail of the building from the interior to furniture and lighting. Also known as the Sugar Cube, the building is one of Aalto’s most controversial works and still evokes strong emotions. During Helsinki Design Week, anyone can finally explore it.
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There’s no efficiency without emotion: TOG’s Douglas House puts people first
Fancy a break in the oxygen room? Or maybe a meeting in the rooftop garden? In Douglas House, an office building renovated by Note Design Studio and The Office Group, efficiency comes from the experiential.
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The headquarters of Sinituote has a historic log house look – a winning combination of rusticity and Nordic design
Once a place where maids and farmhands gathered for mealtime, the former servants’ hall of the Erkylä manor has been tastefully converted into an office space for Sinituote, a renowned Finnish manufacturer and marketer of home care products. Located in Hyvinkää, Southern Finland, the atmospheric office was designed by Joanna Laajisto.
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An inventive summer home on the cliffs – Lille Arøya was built on nature’s terms
Located on the southern coast of Norway in Larvik, in the tight embrace of rocky terrain, stands Lille Arøya – an inventive summer home designed by Lundhagem Architects. Turning the challenging topography into its unique resource, Lille Arøya is an ideal hideaway for taking in the surrounding landscape to the fullest.
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Beneath the concrete skin of Hawthorn House beats a warm heart full of life
Concealed behind the concrete facade of Edition Office’s Hawthorn House, lies in wait a sensitive and balanced entity that draws strength from contradictions.
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Tour the sites of the Helsinki 1952 Olympics
The 1952 Olympics, held 70 years ago, had a significant impact on Helsinki’s cityscape. Design Stories went on a tour of the sites of the Olympic Games to see what they look like nowadays. Join us!
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Sommarnöjen’s tiny summer home built for the House by an Architect exhibition has all the essentials – and loads of character
The lightly furnished mini cottage contains only the essentials. That's enough: this is what a great summer is made of.
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Something to sooth the senses – introducing Andrum, an experiential spa in Sweden
Born in collaboration with Johan Sundberg and Mattias Andreasson, Andrum is an experiential spa in Höör, Sweden, that offers a breathtaking setting for relaxation and tranquility.
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The H.C. Andersen House, designed by Kengo Kuma, is a magical combination of fairytales and reality
The magical world of the beloved author and artist, Hans Christian Andersen, comes to life in Odense, Denmark, where the H.C. Andersen House opened its doors in 2021. The dreamlike architecture creates the setting for an unforgettable exhibition that introduces a new perspective to Andersen's classic fairy tales.
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Muuratsalo Experimental House was Alvar Aalto’s playground
The Muuratsalo Experimental House functioned both as a summer residence of Alvar and Elissa Aalto and a test site for architectural elements. The Experimental House, located in Central Finland, gave Alvar Aalto the opportunity to play with construction materials and test new kinds of structural solutions.
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Valtteri Bottas and Tiffany Cromwell enjoy leisure time in Finnish Lapland
Every morning at their Kilpisjärvi log house, Valtteri Bottas, a Formula One driver, and Tiffany Cromwell, a top-level professional road cyclist, are greeted by a picture perfect view of the Saana fell. Discover the couple’s modern leisure home with Design Stories!
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Walden 7 reflects Ricardo Bofill’s visions for a better urban living
To honor the life and work of Ricardo Bofill (1939–2022), Design Stories is remembering the renowned Spanish architect through one of his most utopian, and controversial, works: Walden 7, a surreal housing complex located close to Barcelona.
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Architect Olavi Koponen explores our relationship with space and nature in his creations
In this Franckly Friends column we have a chat with Olavi Koponen, a Finnish architect who specializes in wood construction. We meet Koponen in one of his designs, the Villa Lena in Espoo, Finland, which exhibits his signature element – simplified beauty.
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Little Finlandia: a pine-lined urban venue overlooking Töölö Bay in Helsinki
While Finlandia Hall is undergoing comprehensive refurbishments, Little Finlandia, a pavilion-like building supported by sturdy pines, will serve as a temporary venue. Design Stories interviewed architect Jaakko Torvinen, who came up with the idea for the wooden building for an Aalto University student competition.
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A historical gem gets a new life in Tampere – boutique hotel Villa Sandsund will offer effortless luxury
The history of the Tampella neighborhood in Tampere, Finland, is intertwined with the history of large industrial establishments. Hidden from view, on the Herrainmäki hill level with the roofs of the nearby apartment buildings, a new chapter is being written in the history of the area: boutique hotel Villa Sandsund, decorated by Nádor + Nádor Interior Architects, will be open for visitors in fall 2022.
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Villa Koivikko designed by Aarne Ervi represents 1950s architecture at its best
Interior designer Petra Majantie restored a detached house designed by Aarne Ervi in Espoo, Finland. Even though Villa Koivikko was completed in 1958, its extremely innovative use of space and living-room decor that reflects the past still manage to impress 60 years later.
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Meander housing is architect Steven Holl’s tribute to Alvar Aalto
Meander housing, designed by American architect Steven Holl and Newil&Bau, will be built in Töölö, Helsinki. In the meandering shape and under the green roof of the building, there will be a variety of apartments of different sizes, all sharing the beautiful light that changes with the seasons.
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Avanto Architects designed a facade inspired by local nature for the Finnish Design Shop logistics center
“The finished building effectively communicates our original architectural theme of the forest and nature.” Avanto Architects’ Anu Puustinen and Ville Hara designed a facade for the new Finnish Design Shop logistics center, which differs in many ways from most warehouse buildings.
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Franckly Visits: The new exciting era of Paimio Sanatorium
Paimio Sanatorium was Alvar Aalto’s international breakthrough and a functionalist “total work of art”. Now the building is on the verge of a new era, under the Paimio Sanatorium Foundation. The Franckly Visits column takes you on a tour to inspiring architecture and design destinations – nice to have you with us!
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Huudi Business Park is a cozy alternative to a home office
Along with remote work, office spaces are moving closer to residential areas. Huudi Business Park in Munkkivuori, Helsinki, also welcomes local residents. Design Stories checked out the refurbished hybrid space, for which Finnish Design Shop’s Contract Sales provided most of the furniture.
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Fyyri Library in Kirkkonummi wins the Finlandia Prize for Architecture 2021
The philosopher Esa Saarinen has chosen Kirkkonummi Main Library, designed by JKMM Architects, as the winner of Finlandia Prize for Architecture 2021. This year’s prize is the eighth Finlandia Prize for Architecture presented by the Association of Finnish Architects (SAFA).
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Taller Sert: Joan Miró’s dream studio in Mallorca is a work of art itself
Internationally celebrated Catalan artist Joan Miró is known for his surrealist works, long career spanning over seven decades and breathtaking studio designed by architect Josep Lluís Sert. Taller Sert is a must for anyone visiting Palma de Mallorca in the Balearic Islands.
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Tikkurila Church is a meeting place open to everyone
Architectural studio OOPEAA designed the Tikkurila Church in Vantaa, Finland, to be a place that is easy to visit. The interior was designed to be relaxed and inviting, with the aim of avoiding solutions that would make the church look like a municipal building. Finnish Design Shop’s Contract Sales provided the church with furniture and lamps.
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Säynätsalo Town Hall is a masterpiece that represents Alvar Aalto’s more humanistic design
Säynätsalo Town Hall was built in the early 1950s to serve as a town hall for a municipal of only 3,000 residents. Today, the building is open to visitors and offers guest rooms for an overnight stay. Take a tour around the town hall together with Design Stories!
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9 fascinating new books for architecture lovers
If you are interested in the Amos Rex art museum, contemporary Chinese architecture, Kengo Kuma’s buildings in Tokyo or Carlo Scarpa’s life’s work, check out these new titles that we have picked from Finnish Design Shop’s book selection.
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Studio Plenty’s new office has plenty of space for creativity and relaxation
Helsinki-based Studio Plenty works with styling, photoshoots and aesthetics in general. Their recently renovated office brings new energy to their creative work. Design Stories interviewed co-founder Anna Pirkola to find out more about the renovation as well as current trends in interior design.
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The Finnish Museum of Photography and Gasm Café & Bar: the new era of shopping malls
The Finnish Museum of Photography’s exhibition space K1, accompanied by a museum shop and a restaurant, is located on the bottom floor of the Kämp Galleria shopping mall in central Helsinki. At street level is the Gasm Café & Bar, the heart of the mall.
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Runo is a boutique hotel in Old Porvoo
Located in southern Finland, Porvoo is known for its old town, idyllic wooden houses and small boutiques, restaurants and cafés scattered along narrow streets. Now Old Porvoo also has something new to be proud of: the relaxed yet elegant hotel Runo. The interior of the hotel was designed by Studio Joanna Laajisto.
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Prefab homes for minimalist tastes: Manta North provides everything needed in less than 50 square meters
The prefabricated houses made by the Latvian company Manta North are suitable for simple living, cabin life as well as remote working. The compact, energy-efficient houses are specially designed to withstand the northern climate.
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Aspekt Office designed the new Work & Co office in Copenhagen with a touch of Danish hygge
For its new office in Copenhagen, the global digital agency Work & Co wanted to have a local feel and true Scandinavian spirit. Aspekt Office decorated the space using Nordic furniture classics, industrial influences and the famous Danish coziness.
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Karimoku Case Study creates new wood design one project at a time
Combining the minimalist aesthetics of Norm Architects and Keiji Ashizawa Design with Karimoku’s decades of experience in making wooden furniture results in Japandi at its best. The fourth Karimoku Case Study project transformed a Tokyo apartment from the 1980s into a serene and welcoming home whose dark-toned interior is a tribute to shadows.
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Do you know this sophisticated gem of 1950s architecture?
The former Helsinki School of Economics building on Runeberginkatu is one of the landmarks of Finnish architecture. Now it shines anew after having been renovated for use by Aalto University Executive Education.
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Ilmatar’s new premises in Helsinki combine wind power and whirlwinds
Design and architecture agency Kohina breathed new life into a historic building. The premises of the wind power company Ilmatar in Helsinki, Finland, have both a hint of history and a modern, dynamic vibe. Finnish Design Shop’s Contract Sales had the pleasure of contributing to the furnishing of this unique office.
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Saint Hotel Oia serves Scandinavian feel in the Santorini sun – a peek into a luxury hotel by Kapsimalis Architects
Located on the Greek island of Santorini, the Saint Hotel proves that Nordic and Greek aesthetics have, in fact, quite many things in common. In Design Stories’ interview, Marianna Kapsimali from Kapsimalis Architects talks about the challenging project and the stunning end result, which is complemented by furniture supplied by Finnish Design Shop's Contract Sales.
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Studio Puisto’s Space of Mind cabin allows you to travel without leaving home
Space of Mind is a minimalist and modular cabin developed as a response to the pandemic travel restrictions and the new era of local travel. The compact, prefabricated cabin resulted from a collaboration between three Finnish companies: Studio Puisto, Protos Demos and Made by Choice.
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For cocktail bar Bardem, design agency Fyra conjured up a speakeasy atmosphere with 1980s vibes
Intimate cocktail bar Bardem, led by Hans Välimäki and Arto Rastas, opened in central Helsinki in fall 2019. For the dim ambiance, inspiration has been drawn from the style of many different decades. Bardem was designed by Fyra, the award-winning Interior Architecture Agency of the Year 2020.
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Secret treehouses in the middle of a Danish forest – The Treetop Hotel Løvtag
The Treetop Hotel was crafted by hand with high respect for the natural surroundings at the Als Odde peninsula in Denmark. Inspired by the diversity of Nordic nature, architect Sigurd Larsen shared his thoughts on the project with Design Stories – and revealed what it felt like to spend a night at the top of a tree.
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Hanaholmen – the Swedish-Finnish Cultural Center is a brutal gem of the 1970s
Design agency KOKO3’s handprint is visible in the interior of Hanaholmen Cultural and Conference Center, built in the 1970s. They transformed the place into a fluid combination of the old and new.
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Architecture on Design Stories
The architecture stories on Design Stories explore the built environment, homes, and spaces through a design-focused lens. We publish articles on contemporary Finnish and Scandinavian architecture, as well as selected architectural destinations from Finland and around the world.
In the Architecture category, we look at private homes and public spaces alike, covering new builds, renovations, and the relationship between architecture and interiors. The selection also includes reference projects from Finnish Design Shop’s Trade & Contract Sales and Studio interior design services.
Design Stories is the online magazine of Finnish Design Shop, created to inspire and delight design lovers everywhere. We hope you enjoy exploring with us! Have a story tip or thoughts on our content? We’d love to hear from you.
