If not looking closely, one might miss the outlines of a small village retreat residing along the lakeshore of Kytäjä Golf in Finland. The ultra-tiny eco-resort, aptly named Uni Villa –with “uni” meaning “dream” in Finnish—was designed by Nordic design team Studio Puisto as a pilot for their latest hospitality design, centered in the Finnish wilderness, but capable of being deployed in even the most remote locations.
Occupying 1,205 square-feet in a conservative, u-shaped arc within the Hyvinkää forest, the village is comprised of three units. Clad in dark, cross-laminated timber that compliments the surrounding nature, each structure is able to meld into the landscape amongst the trees. The units themselves rest upon a compact and versatile foundation. This helps minimize the impact to the surrounding landscape, while prioritizing views and privacy for occupants.
This is because while the dream village is currently situated in Finland, Studio Puisto has designed them to be deployed anywhere. As prefabricated structures, they are capable of being built in a controlled space and shipped out to even the most remote locale for minimal environmental impact on its chosen location. It also allows for Studio Puisto to pursue ultra-efficient construction processes when building these units.
Like Being Transported to a Fairy Tale Cottage
Each unit is made up of a suite space flanked by two studio spaces on either side. Minimalist in design and sustainably-minded in its execution, the distinction between each space is immediately apparent.
In the main suite, for instance, rich, dark wooden tones wrap warmly around the space, complimenting organic furnishings that work to draw elements of the Finnish outdoors into this sanctuary. Task lighting, meanwhile, creates very intentional illumination, generating boutique-like scenery as the sun dips down below the landscape.
In the studios, massive floor-to-ceiling windows further dismantle the boundaries between natural and manmade spaces. The precious Finnish sunlight floods the room in natural serenity and splendor.
But throughout each unit, the materiality of the furnishings remains consistent. Wood and wool are employed with a subdued minimalism, generating a comforting and luxurious effect. The varied soft, neutral tones and textiles are juxtaposed with raw, harsh materials in the furniture, generating a distinct space that invites further separation and relaxation.
Despite the subdued approach to the design, however, Studio Puisto’s commitment to sustainability is on full display here. From pre-fabricated construction down to the choices of the furniture that each unit comes pre-furnished with, precious care was taken to ensure that these dream villas leave about as much impact on the environment as a dream itself would.
