A summer house in the Finnish archipelago built on nature’s terms
The couple found the metal-framed garden furniture already before the house was finished, the understated design complementing its architectural forms.
A DIRT TRACK ROAD flanked by tall reeds winds onto the island, like a mysterious pathway leading to the unknown. The villa blends quietly in the landscape, only revealing itself as you draw near.
Clad in Corten steel and nestled among ancient pines towering skyward, it’s almost impossible to believe the house is brand new. The surrounding plants, trees and rocks remain as they have always been.
The Corten façade will darken over time, receiving a richer, muted patina.
“Certain rocks and trees dictated where the house would sit on the plot. It’s now tucked between two large boulders, and the only dead pines on the island once stood where the building is today. Old trees are sacred to us, so the rule was not to disturb them,” Robert Holmström says.
“Certain rocks and trees dictated where the house would sit on the plot.”
“During construction, we carefully protected all the surrounding vegetation, aiming to minimise any damage. Our goal was to keep the island as untouched as possible. I drew countless sketches and spent a long time developing ideas for the house. I was inspired by Gotland, having visited Bungenäs on a number of occasions – its bunker-like style and atmosphere left a lasting impression on me. I even tried to buy a plot of land there, completely enchanted by the place.”
In the spacious home, the living room is located four steps below the rest of the spaces. The backrest of the custom-designed, made-to-measure sofa rises like a delicate railing against the floor above.
Cooking is a favourite pastime, with sometimes the whole family joining in. Robert designed the kitchen and Woode executed it. The kitchen island is topped with timeless, durable steel. Hemp rug by Roots Living.
The brass lamp is by Fritz Schlegel. The solid oak coffee table designed by Børge Mogensen was an auction find. The brick tile recommended by design agency Fyra is a perfect match for the villa, reflecting its 1960s-inspired style.
This island in Naantali, in southwestern Finland, has belonged to Robert’s wife Terhi’s family since 1918. Back in the day, a small fishing hut was the only building on the island. A few years ago, Terhi and Robert, an engineer, took over, putting an end to Robert’s dreams of a villa abroad. The long-familiar, unique plot would receive the building it deserved.
Construction began in 2021. Cast concrete blocks were chosen for their durability and low maintenance. Initially, the couple planned to outsource the entire construction, handling the design, tendering and procurement themselves. But Robert’s meticulous side soon took over; he wanted to make sure everything was executed to the highest possible standard while keeping costs in check.
Construction took just over a year, and after the final inspection, the couple refined the interiors for a couple more years.
“There was no rush, we were doing it for ourselves, after all. For about two years, we’d drive the couple of hundred kilometres here for weekends and holidays, and our free time just slipped away on the construction site,” Robert says.
In the bedroom, deep window seats provide generous storage underneath. Smooth grey walls create a neutral backdrop. A handsome chunk of local oak doubles as a bedside table. Bedspread, Roots Living.
All three bedrooms follow a palette of wood, grey-rendered stone and a touch of brass.
Bedspreads by Roots Living. Stav lamp by Johan Carpner adds a hotel feel.
The old but unused Bumling wall lamp is a treasure from a second-hand site. A traditional Finnish wooden Corona game hangs on the wall like a piece of art in the pared-back, sophisticated space. Robert came up with the idea after wondering where to store it when not in use.
The house has three bedrooms. Their daughter Fiia wasn’t initially thrilled about the project, but having come of age during its construction, she now loves spending time here with friends. In her own room, she wanted the bed positioned to take in the sea view through the window.
Robert was set on limestone tiles, ordering the 15x15 cm squares from Slite Stenhuggeri in Sweden. For the family of three, a single shower and a compact changing room work fine.
At Robert’s parents’ summer cottage, an IKI-kiuas sauna stove has proved a hit, so it felt like the right choice here as well. The large window offers views of the shoreline and sea.
Stepping into the villa, the view is nothing short of striking. The sense of openness comes as something of a surprise. Every inch of space has been maximised, and dropping down four steps to the living area creates a wonderful impression. The materials have been chosen to blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural landscape.
The architecture and material choices were inspired by countless trips to Gotland.
“We used the same type of wood that was growing on the plot. I’d fallen for limestone in Gotland and knew it had to be part of our home. Eva-Marie Eriksson and Elisa Ryhänen-Derrett from the Finnish design agency Fyra helped shape the concept and refine ideas. I was already familiar with their style and had worked with them before, so it all felt very natural. I had plenty of thoughts around materials and furniture, but it was great to bounce off ideas.”
The outdoor terrace features a dining table, sofa, and chairs from HAY's Palissade collection, designed by Erwan and Ronan Bouroullec. The galvanized steel construction holds up well even in demanding conditions.
Next to the kitchen and dining area, a glazed terrace is complete with a summer kitchen and comfortable, bench-style sofa. The solid pine table was made to measure, and the chairs are by Grythyttan.
The couple has gradually added to the collection of garden chairs on the terrace, usually picking them up in end-of-season sales ready for the next season.
The large, stainless-steel pool at the edge of the terrace, right by the sea, is big enough for several to swim at the same time. It was ordered from Svenska Badtunnor.
The team at Fyra proved to be the right choice. The result was exactly what the family had envisioned.
“Terhi has taken a really relaxed approach, letting me get carried away in peace. We’ve both been busy clearing, building and tidying though. In her words, I get to design the house and materials, and she trusts the outcome.”
The new jetty was built on eighteen piles driven into the seabed, withstanding even the fiercest storms.
Tall reeds line the sandy path leading to the island. There's a sense of calm here, the rush of everyday life tends to fade well before you arrive.
The house is truly something special. One guiding idea for the design was to nestle it partly in the ground. The building sits fairly low, and the interiors feel ascetic and inviting at the same time.
“We couldn’t have imagined just how much this place would mean to us in such a short time.”
The wooden finishes and window views bring a warm, cabin-like comfort, while the clean, pared-down lines make it modern and timeless. As sunlight glimmers across the sea, the owner can’t help but smile.
“The light moves exactly as I imagined,” he says.
See also:
• Outdoor furniture at Finnish Design Shop >
• Asun Homes bookazine Vol 9 >
Juttu on julkaistu alun perin Asun-lehden numerossa 51.
Published on 26 Jun, 2026
