The Kide Lodges villas rising in the natural landscape of Arctic Lapland demonstrate how modern CLT log construction responds to the growing demand for luxury tourism. A calm colour palette, Nordic interior materials and the relaxing, health-promoting effect of Honka’s premium solid wood provide the opportunity to enjoy Finnish nature indoors as well.
The ensemble of four rental villas and a shared spa-style sauna building has been designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding national landscape. This landscape and the unique sloping plot formed the central starting point for the architectural design.
“The unique location has been taken into account in the building’s structural solution, where a Honka Frame glass façade was used on the landscape-facing side, opening up unobstructed views of Lapland’s nature through vast windows. The simplified form under a single ridge emphasises clarity and durability in demanding fell conditions,” describes architect Juho Teppo.
A Honka Frame glass façade was used on the landscape-facing side, opening up unobstructed views of Lapland’s nature through vast windows.
Honka’s solid, light-coloured design log combined with black natural stone creates an impressive yet calming atmosphere. Particularly memorable is the soft acoustics created by the high-quality timber. Even though the spaces feature large surfaces, the soundscape remains tranquil thanks to the modern CLT log structures and supports the inviting and relaxing interior ambience.
The sloping plot meets the needs of the international premium traveller by offering a rare combination of experiences and complete tranquillity. From the yard, there is direct access to ski slopes, cross-country tracks and snowmobile routes, while the view from indoors opens out to the vast nature of Lapland and Ylläsjärvi.
“Our guests come to Lapland for the Arctic nature and experiences, but they also expect quality, a unique atmosphere and refined practicality from their accommodation. The expansive fell and forest views opening from high on the slope bring the surrounding nature into the interior, which makes the destination unique,” says Kide Lodges partner Minna Isotalus.
According to Isotalus, this type of accommodation suitable for larger groups had been missing from Ylläsjärvi. During its first winter season, Kide Lodges welcomed more than 450 guests from around the world.
Honka’s expertise brings even the most demanding visions to life
Honka is an experienced operator in the landscapes of Lapland, and additional luxury villas are already being planned. The new properties are intended to rise in the vicinity of Kide Lodges as early as next winter. The reliability of both Honka and the durable CLT log technology provide a stable partner for the development of tourism in Lapland.
According to Isotalus, it is precisely the high quality of Kide Lodges that makes the destination exceptional.
“We have not compromised on quality; every detail has been considered to completion. Our customers have recognised the professional craftsmanship and appreciated the carefully selected materials. For these demanding requirements, Honkarakenne was an excellent partner,” she says.
We have not compromised on quality; every detail has been considered to completion. Our customers have recognised the professional craftsmanship and appreciated the carefully selected materials. For these demanding requirements, Honkarakenne was an excellent partner.
Minna Isotalus, Kide Lodges partner
In particular, Honkarakenne’s professionalism, reliability and ability to operate in multidisciplinary collaboration convinced the Kide Lodges partners. Honkarakenne’s Sales Director, Tero Pylkkänen, also highlights the company’s ability to adapt to clients’ detailed and precise visions.
“We are an internationally recognised brand with the best and most thoroughly researched log product on the market, also for demanding projects. For a precise concept like Kide Lodges, it is crucial that both our products and our operating model adapt to the client’s vision. The completed project is an excellent example of this expertise,” Pylkkänen summarises.
In addition to acoustics and aesthetics, Honka Fusion+ CLT log was chosen as the material for Kide Lodges due to its sustainability. For an environmentally respectful project, it was important that the main material is a domestic, renewable natural product with health-promoting effects for both indoor air and wellbeing. The durability of Honka CLT log also ensures a long lifecycle for the property.
The growth of Arctic tourism provides a stage for Finnish excellence
Tourism in Lapland is attracting international interest, and there are no signs of demand slowing down. Future investments in new airports and rail connections will further accelerate growth. This development offers significant potential for new construction projects.
“Finland is a major provider of Arctic tourism, but neighbouring countries will also increase their share of the market. We must invest in developing our services to ensure Finland remains an attractive and sought-after sustainable destination for luxury tourism in Lapland in the future. High-quality accommodation solutions are a key part of this development,” Pylkkänen states.
With these luxurious and sustainably produced solutions, it is ensured that Finnish expertise remains at the forefront of Arctic tourism.
Discover more – watch the video!
Building facts
- Project: Kide Lodges
- Gross floor area: The development comprises four luxury villas of approximately 200 m² each, as well as a 100 m² sauna and spa building, totalling approximately 900 m² of built space. The ensemble also includes a wilderness shelter.
- Year of completion / commissioning: 2025
- Building material: Non-settling Honka Fusion+ CLT log by Honkarakenne
- Owner / concept: Kide Lodges
- Architecture: SAFA architect Juho Teppo, Arkkitehtitoimisto Jorma Teppo Oy
- Construction: Raxaamo Oy
- Location: Laskijantie 13, 95980 Ylläsjärvi, Kolari – in the heart of Ylläs Ski Resort, close to the Iso-Ylläs ski area
- Operational model: High-end rental accommodation ensemble / luxury villas
- Accommodation capacity: Approximately 40–50 guests across the entire resort
- Individual villa: Accommodates approximately 10–12 guests across three floors
- User profile: Individual travellers, families, groups and corporate clients
- Images and video: Minna Kivinen
- HonkaID: 4017830, 4025788, 4025789, 4025790, 4025176
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