Oh my goodness. It feels like it takes a lot these days to stop me in my tracks, and this project did just that. I am officially blown away. Just image waking up in a glass bedroom like this, somewhere in the forrest overlooking a lake. I must say I’ve never been much for camping, but this would be a brilliant alternative with all the creature comforts (admittedly without a bathroom – but hey, there’s a whole lake there in case of an emergency…)

All photos above by Arsi Ikäheimonen.

This project is a collaboration between Helsinki architect Ville Hara of Avanto Architects (I previously blogged about them here), and designer Linda Bergroth of Hel Yes!. The pair launched their greenhouse and garden shed kit for the gardening market in 2010. Linda customised one of the prototypes to create her own summer house studio located on a distant island in eastern Finland, the photos of which you are seeing here. She added timber floors, solar panels for lighting, and entry steps and a footpath made out of reclaimed bricks.

 

One of the original garden shed prototypes launched in 2010.

The modular parts can be bought in 4 different variations through Kekkilä Garden in Finland and Hasselfors Garden in other Scandinavian countries.

Designers (myself included) are often guilty of getting caught up in the latest and greatest in materials, finishes, forms, feature, etc, etc, yet isn’t it so profoundly powerful to see what can be achieved with a little bit of Finnish pine, safety glass and a prefabricated frame that can be assembled with a screwdriver? This is a wonderful example of a design which is focused around the function and user experience, and nothing else. Ville & Linda, I applaud you. I wish I had one of these puppies to park on the beach this weekend…

x dana


[Discovered via Dezeen. Images via Dezeen, Avanto & Hel Yes!]



About The Author

Founder & Editor

With a disarming blend of authority and approachability, Dana is a former refugee-turned-global design visionary. Through her multi-faceted work as a creative director, keynote speaker, editor, curator, interior designer and digital publisher, Dana empowers others to appreciate and engage with design in transformative ways, making the sometimes intimidating world of design accessible to everyone, regardless of their familiarity with the subject. Dana's been catapulted to the status of a stalwart global influencer, with recognition from industry heavyweights such as AD Germany, Vogue Living, Elle Décor Italia and Danish RUM Interiør Design, who have named as one of the Top True Global Influencers of the Design World and counted her among the most visionary female creatives on the planet. Her TEDx talk—"Design Can Change the Way You See the World"— will challenge and transform your understanding of design's omnipresent and profound influence. Through her vast experience in interiors, architecture and design, Dana challenges the prevailing rapid image culture, highlighting the importance of originality, sustainability, connecting with your values and learning to "see" design beyond the aesthetic.

8 Responses

  1. Oliver @ Sabi Style

    It appears so simple and yet just so perfect. Ok so the lake and sunlight filtered through the trees certainly helps the cause but if I lived there I could think of no better way to enjoy the space.

    I’m with you… this is really great design!

    Reply
  2. Naoko

    It’s so simple and beautiful. also reminds me of the heart breaking oscar + lucinda’s glass church…!

    Reply
  3. Claire Newcombe-Jakeman

    Is there a way to get one of these as a prefabricated package to order. I love onefir a forest spot in South Africa..?

    Reply

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