Location: Mikkeli, Finland
Project size: 900 square feet
Program: Tucked away on a remote lake island three hours northeast of Helsinki, Villa K is an intimate weekend hideaway enshrouded by nature.
Design Solution: Saukkonen + Partners designed a footbridge and boardwalk that leads through trees to a quaint cottage and detached sauna. The two structures’ shallow, pyramidal roofs feature deep eaves that intersect, creating a semi-enclosed space between them as well as covered patios—a perfect place to take in westward views of the setting sun. The ground floor includes a primary suite, as well as a combined living-dining-kitchen area with a lofted guest bedroom overlooking it. Throughout, black-stained wood contrasts with neutral tones, and angled ceilings echo the roofline.
![Villa K Saukkonen Partners](/ext/resources/*Featured%20Houses/December%202023/Villa%20K/Villa-K-9.webp)
Photo © Timo Pyykönen
Structure and Materials: The architects behind Villa K sought a durable and maintenance-free design that brings the outside in. A palette of low-carbon and natural materials allow the nimbly sited house to blend into its surrounding landscape.
Additional Information
Completion date: January 2020
Total construction cost: Withheld
Client/Owner: Withheld
![Villa K Saukkonen Partners](/ext/resources/*Featured%20Houses/December%202023/Villa%20K/Villa-K-8.webp)
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![Villa K Saukkonen Partners](/ext/resources/*Featured%20Houses/December%202023/Villa%20K/Villa-K-5.webp)
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![Villa K Saukkonen Partners](/ext/resources/*Featured%20Houses/December%202023/Villa%20K/Villa-K-7.webp)
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![Villa K Saukkonen Partners](/ext/resources/*Featured%20Houses/December%202023/Villa%20K/Villa-K-4.webp)
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![Villa K Saukkonen Partners](/ext/resources/*Featured%20Houses/December%202023/Villa%20K/Villa-K-2.webp)
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Photos © Timo Pyykönen
![Villa Papillon by WORKac](/ext/resources/*Featured%20Houses/December%202023/Villa%20K/Saukkonen_Partners_Villa_K_Ground_Floor.jpg)
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![Villa Papillon by WORKac](/ext/resources/*Featured%20Houses/December%202023/Villa%20K/Saukkonen_Partners_Villa_K_First_Floor.jpg)
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![Villa Papillon by WORKac](/ext/resources/*Featured%20Houses/December%202023/Villa%20K/Saukkonen_Partners_Villa_K_Site_Plan.jpg)
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Image courtesy Saukkonen Partners; click to enlarge
Credits
Architect
Saukkonen + Partners
Unioninkatu 10 B 21
00130, Helsinki
+358 9 612 3320
www.saukkonenpartners.fi
Project team
Design team: Teemu Saukkonen, Jenni Kuitunen, Pauliina Lauri
Photographer
Timo Pyykönen
Specifications
Exterior Cladding
Wood: Finnish spruce
Roofing
Chimney: Härmä Air
Other: Natural slate
Windows
Metal frame: Schüco
Doors
Metal doors: Schüco
Interior Finishes
Flooring: Arbony
Lighting
Interior ambient lighting: Leds C4, Vipp, Serax
Dimming system or other lighting controls: Bega