The warm atmosphere of this young couple’s new home is created by the riverside rocky plot and the Mediterranean-inspired interior. In their new log house, they enjoy everyday life filled with great emotions.
In principle, obtaining planning permission for a detached house is a straightforward process. The only thing required is patience whilst waiting for the application to be processed.
The construction of Malin and Jonny’s log house, completed last August, was not quite so painless, however. The young couple wanted a large, 1.5-storey house with large windows. As the neighbouring plots feature historically significant buildings over a century old, careful consideration had to be given to harmonising the new with the old. The plot is situated on the banks of the river that runs through Uusikaarlepyy, opposite the town centre. When the house is finally complete, Malin and Jonny will be able to look out of the windows of their high-ceilinged living room not only at the river but also at St Birgitta’s Church, built in the early 18th century.
A two-storey log house was built on the site over 100 years ago. The building is no longer used as a residence, but it is under the protection of the National Board of Antiquities, so it cannot be demolished. Malin and Jonny plan to paint the exterior of the house next summer. There are no plans to renovate the interior.
The 1,300-square-metre plot is a rocky shoreline with sufficient building rights and space to construct a second house. When they began seriously planning the build in early 2020, Malin and Jonny contacted Christer Östman, a seasoned sales representative at Kuusamo Log Houses. He is not only a skilled representative and house designer but also a charming individual who immediately took the young couple’s wishes under his wing. He first did his homework thoroughly, familiarising himself with the National Board of Antiquities’ regulations before contacting the official in charge of negotiations. The negotiations proceeded in a positive spirit and, when Östman presented plans in which the street-facing appearance of the house closely matched the style of the old neighbouring houses and large glass surfaces were found only on the lakeside, the planning application was processed and approved. The window grilles have a significant impact on the building’s appearance.
Construction began in 2020. There was no rush. The project took a couple of years to complete. The work was carried out by a local building firm, but Jonny was heavily involved in all stages of the construction.
An exceptionally spacious living room
The house is large, with a floor area exceeding 170 square metres. There is plenty of space throughout, as Malin and Jonny limited the number of bedrooms to three. One of them is downstairs, two are upstairs. The master bedroom was designed for the ground floor, with a spacious walk-in wardrobe built next to it. However, Malin and Jonny are currently sleeping upstairs, and a study has been set up next to the walk-in wardrobe. This arrangement may change if the family grows. For now, the only child in the house is Moses the cat, who admires the river view from the sofa, purring contentedly.
The living room and open-plan kitchen form an extremely spacious area, with a combined floor area of 55 square metres. In addition to the large windows, the white-painted panelled ceiling provides plenty of light. The wooden panelling originally planned was replaced with plasterboard during construction. The log surfaces have been lightly waxed to a pale finish. The floors downstairs are parquet.
Malin wanted a large kitchen with traditional furnishings. The island, which is now found in almost all detached houses, was omitted. There is plenty of work space along two walls. A large breakfast cupboard was placed near the dining table. The cupboards have understated framed doors. The style evokes a country kitchen.
In the right-hand corner of the living room is a sloping wall. A door leading to the terrace has been fitted there. Malin and Jonny have christened it ‘Christer’s door’. After all, he has designed a similar corner solution for many log houses.
Malin is an extremely meticulous interior designer. There is not a single superfluous item in the home. Every detail, no matter how small, has been carefully considered. The rooms could easily accommodate three times as much furniture, but Malin prefers a minimalist interior style. And she has mastered it – the rooms do not look empty but balanced. The colour scheme is soothing and timeless. The Mediterranean style comes through in the small details.
When they moved into the house at the end of the summer, they brought not only furniture but also a wealth of emotion with them. Malin and Jonny feel that, with their beautiful home, they have found balance in their everyday lives. Happiness.
This article was first published in Uusi Koti magazine, issue 2/2023. The article was written by Jorma Välimaa and photographed by Hans Koistinen.
Interested in this model?
View the photo gallery for a more comprehensive selection of images of this property. Also take a look at the virtual tour of Tupala, a log house in the same style as Suvela.
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Log houses
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Virtual house showing
