‘villa woodnotes – snow white’ by helin & co architects, espoo, finland all images courtesy of helin & co architects

overlooking an archipelago in espoo, finland, the ‘villa woodnotes – snow white’ designed by helsinki-based firm helin & co architects have been shortlisted for the 2011 world architecture festival in the house category. situated within an established residential context dating from the 1950s, this single family dwelling replaced an outdated structure but maintained the mature landscape into the plan’s arrangement. openings to the interior are aligned with existing trees of the property. functioning as a dwelling and showroom for the finnish company woodnotes, the minimalist outward form and material palette is derived from ritva puotila’s textile art, a contributing designer.

helin & co architects: villa snow white elevated walkway with main entrance beyond

the concrete framework has been cast around the structural steel columns. during the northern lights, glass facades welcome natural light into the rooms to extend the presence of daylight in addition to the exterior’s reflective white plaster tiles. entrances are accessed from an outdoor atrium and series of elevated walkways which wrap the building to form covered verandas on the upper and lower levels. the interior is surfaced with solid oak and limestone maintaining an airy atmosphere.

helin & co architects: villa snow white elevated walkway

helin & co architects: villa snow white lower level veranda

helin & co architects: villa snow white upper level veranda

helin & co architects: villa snow white stair

helin & co architects: villa snow white loft

helin & co architects: villa snow white kitchen

helin & co architects: villa snow white living space

helin & co architects: villa snow white bedroom

helin & co architects: villa snow white bedroom

helin & co architects: villa snow white bathroom

helin & co architects: villa snow white bathroom

helin & co architects: villa snow white outward view from loft after the winter snow

helin & co architects: villa snow white blanketed with snow

helin & co architects: villa snow white site plan

helin & co architects: villa snow white floor plan / level 0

helin & co architects: villa snow white floor plan / level 1

helin & co architects: villa snow white section

helin & co architects: villa snow white section

helin & co architects: villa snow white section

helin & co architects: villa snow white elevation

helin & co architects: villa snow white elevation

helin & co architects: villa snow white elevation

helin & co architects: villa snow white elevation

project info:

client: private location: espoo, finland area: 590 sqm project completed: 01 jan 2011