Homeowner Ulla-Maaria Koivula had to plough the thick, pillowy snow that regularly coats the ground in this forest near Kontiolahti to plan out the unique shape of her new workspace and home. Not alone in this chilly endeavour, she was joined by brother and sister Tuuli and Kivi Sotamaa, founders of Finnish architecture studio Ateljé Sotamaa.
Together, they had a vision to create a building that would champion Finland’s primary export – wood. Constructed from 272 individual pieces of CLT (cross-laminated timber) the finished cabin celebrates the region’s natural materials while looking, as its name ‘Meteorite’ suggests, like a huge boulder that’s fallen from the sky.
‘I could be more cautious with my ideas, but my curiosity beats the fear of trying new, bolder things,’ says Ulla-Maaria.
What's everyone reading?
Her brave new property, measuring just 58 square metres, is used as an office for her and partner Jonathan James Hall, as well as a breakout space for the couple to spend quality time with their three children.
Plans are in the works for a new, larger family home to be built just 200 metres away. We expect that property will also be a celebration of the very best of Finland’s natural materials, craftsmanship and design. sotamaa.net
