helin & co architects: villa krona

'villa krona' by helin & co architects, kemiö island of gullkrona archipelago, dragsfjard, finland
image © pekka helin


positioned on a remote island in the gullkrona archipelago, finland, the 'villa krona', a single family residence designed by
helsinki-based practice helin & co architects has been nominated by the world architecture festival for an award in this
year's house category. perched high upon a cliff overlooking the baltic sea, this segmented dwelling and veranda gradually
unfolds to reveal unobstructed vistas of the sunrise and sunset along with changing weather of the seasons. autumn storms
send thrashing waves towards the structure allowing them to gradually freeze within view from the interior. immersed in nature,
inhabitants are provided with a dynamic retreat from monotonous environments.



ocean view from deck 
image © pekka helin


the geometry of the volume responds and relates to the variegated colors and geologic qualities of the granite bedrock below.
over time, the planked larch facade slowly weathers to silver hues of gray while the vegetated roof transforms from spring green
to a rustic brown in colder months. the radial arrangement of the structural laminated beams and supporting columns direct attention
towards the open air deck, protected by the extended roof canopy. inside, a material palette of pine cladding and a light ash floor
produce a warm and inviting atmosphere.



outdoor dining area
image © pekka helin



dining area
image © pekka helin



kitchen
image © pekka helin



facade detail
image © pekka helin



bathroom
image © pekka helin



sedum roof compliments the larch planks of the facade
image © pekka helin



planked side elevation
image © pekka helin



detail of larch cladding
image © pekka helin



site plan
image courtesy helin & co architects



floor plan / level 0
image courtesy helin & co architects



section
image courtesy helin & co architects



axonometric
image courtesy helin & co architects



model
image © mandi tuominen



model
image © mandi tuominen



model
image © mandi tuominen



model
image © mandi tuominen


project info:


project name: villa krona
authors: helin & co architects / pekka helin, ritva mannersuo
year of completion: 2010
location: kemiö island
floor area: 130+42 sqm
site area: 1,3 ha
photographer: pekka helin, scale model photographs/mandi tuominen