House by the lake Saimaa - as one with nature
At the home of Iines Suninen, the choice of materials are in line with the magnificent nature surrounding the house. Durable and neutral natural materials selected 30 years ago are still beautiful and easy to care for today.
Natural materials such as wood and natural stone create a serene atmosphere in this this lovely home, which was also presented in Suomen kaunein koti (Finland’s most beautiful home) tv-program in 2021. The big windows of the living room bring in a lot of light and offer a beautiful view of Lake Saimaa.
- The material choices are the handwriting of architect Heikki Käppi. His main view was to use materials and shades of color that were similar to the beautiful landscape that one sees from the window. This way it feels as in nature comes into the house and the connection between indoors and outdoors is unbreakable, Suninen says.
Aurora® plays a prominent role in Suninen's home. The reddish brown natural stone is a practical and durable surface material, but also as an eye-catcher. A large part of the flooring as well as the kitchen countertops have been made of this beautifully patterned stone. It is also used as a show-stopping piece of art above the fireplace in the living room.
Built in 1991, the sturdy stone house is Suninen's childhood home, where she had the opportunity to relocate after completing her studies in 2018. The decision to relocate was easy for her as the house was timeless in style and in flawless condition. Suninen, who likes a serene, neutral color scheme and natural materials in the interior, praises the house's original material choices:
- Time-resistant, sustainable and durable materials have made things easy for me: there has been no need for surface repairs even after three decades, she says.
Iines Suninen, who works as a real-estate agent, appreciates sustainable choices in materials.
Good material choices are especially highlighted in everyday life:
- I appreciate the ease these materials bring to my everyday life. Finnish granite is not only beautiful but also very easy to maintain clean. It is a worry-free, dirt and water resistant material to have in our hallway. In the kitchen our polished Aurora® countertop has stayed magnificent and unchanged from generation to generation, Suninen rejoices.
All pictures by: Iines Suninen