The Soul of Things: Four-cornered villa

2012-11-23

Four-cornered villa

The cross-like shape of this simple villa reaches towards four very different views. The space is open and defined at the same time. The exterior is treated black and the interior is very light. The building is well insulated and heated by wood only. There is no electricity or running water. The simple and ascetic life at the countryside differs dramatically from the hectic city life.

Avanto Architects was established in 2004 by Ville Hara and Anu Puustinen as they won an open competition for a cemetery chapel. The office currently works on projects of varying scale for public communities, private companies and private customers.

"Avanto means a hole in the ice for bathing in winter - popular hobby in Finland. It symbolises our design philosophy. We want to create environment that evokes emotions by empathizing in the world of the people using the space. We enjoy nature and want to give the same possibility for future generations as well.
Important points in our architecture for us: fits in the surroundings; durable, flexible; high quality, well finished; providing moving experiences, designed for people; innovative and natural use of materials; the use of light to create space and atmosphere"

- Avanto Architects -

The four-cornered villa was designed and built between 2008 and 2010. It is situated on a horseshoe shaped island and faces north and east.

Morning light is on the breakfast table, midday light is in the dining room and evening light is in the sitting room. There is no direct sunlight in the bedroom, so curtains are not necessary.

Terraces are covered to prevent the hot summer sun overheating the building, but, at the same time, allowing passive solar energy in the winter.