Experience the Serenity of a City Cottage in Helsinki

Finns have a deep love for spending time in cottages surrounded by nature. In fact, this love is so strong that even in the heart of Helsinki, it is possible to experience the peacefulness of a cottage. A 14 m2 cottage designed for the Palva architect family was recently built in Lauttasaari, a mere two kilometres away from their home and workplace.

For the Palva family, this is more than just a vacation home; it's a way of life. Jussi Palva explains, "We wanted a place that would be easy to go to, and if necessary, we could go home to take a shower or deal with urgent matters. Because our home is so close by, it's also possible to leave unnecessary stuff at home and bring things to the cottage only when necessary."

In recent years, there has been a growing trend among young families in the Helsinki region to embrace a lifestyle that preserves nature. For them, a 14 m2 city cottage is the epitome of "ecological vacationing." The small size of the cottage keeps building costs reasonable, and its low electricity consumption allows it to operate on solar energy, even during the winter. Additionally, living a localized lifestyle without the need for cars or extravagant holidays is also eco-friendly.

Preserving and increasing the number of city cottage areas in Finnish cities is seen as wise town planning. Jussi Palva believes that including these areas in town plans reduces the environmental burden caused by cottages while increasing social control in park areas, making urban parks safer for everyone. The Palva family cottage, tucked away in a secluded spot with a small sandy beach and a view of the sea, offers a serene escape from city life.

Despite its compact size, the cottage is designed to accommodate the entire family comfortably. The space is carefully divided into an entrance and kitchen combination, with a small step leading to the living and sleeping area. The design draws inspiration from boats and caravans, with fixed furniture that maximizes the use of space. The sofas along the back wall can be transformed into sleeping places for three people, while the fourth sleeping place is located in the loft space. Built-in cupboards and storage under the raised floor provide ample storage space.

The City Cottage project by Verstas Arkkitehdit has gained recognition in various magazines and online publications, including the New York Times, International Herald Tribune, and Monocle. The collaboration between Verstas Architects and Finnish wooden house manufacturer Finnlamelli aims to develop the cottage for serial production.

Overall, the City Cottage project offers a unique and sustainable way for families to enjoy the beauty of nature within urban areas. With its thoughtful design and focus on preserving the environment, it serves as a model for future town planning initiatives.

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