Built on the shore of a beautiful lake in central Finland, Villa Kaislaranta blends into its surroundings by using inconspicuous massing and a well-balanced combination of reflections and wood cladding. It was designed by the architectural firms RESORTUM and OSUMA Architects Ltd in 2015, for a recently retired couple who wanted to build a summer villa that would reflect their aspiration for enjoying the beautiful lakeside landscape with their extended family and friends, while at the same time minimizing the impact of the construction on the surrounding natural environment.
The architectural solution was to visually blend the dark wooden facade with the forest background and use large glass surfaces to both provide spectacular views to the lake and blend in the building to the surrounding natural landscape.
Moreover, the lake facing facade was made shorter than the opposite side in order to minimize visual impact towards the lake. Large, well-drawn windows towards the lake make people in this villa feel like a part of the natural landscape around them. Generous naturally-aged wooden terraces surround the villa for a comfortable use of outdoor spaces. The interiors are structured based on an effective and rational floor plan that makes the most of the eastern views towards the lake.It was necessary to have enough space for many people to visit and be able to spend the night, so the bedrooms are designed to sleep up to four people on two levels each. The main living areas on the lake side were designed with an open space concept — to provide a fluid space for different usage according to the needs of the residents.