helin & co architects: villa snow white

'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outdated structure but maintained the mature landscape into the plan's arrangement.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.



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.



elevated walkway



lower level veranda



upper level veranda



stair



loft



kitchen



living space



bedroom



bedroom



bathroom



bathroom



outward view from loft after the winter snow



blanketed with snow



site plan



floor plan / level 0



floor plan / level 1



section



section



section



elevation



elevation



elevation



elevation


project info:


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