The mind immediately relaxes as one enters the modern log home of Elina Vaittinen and Juho Rappula. The large, landscaped windows of a black house built on the edge of forest offer a beautiful view over the wheat fields. The horses of a nearby racing stable keep running around in their enclosures. Here, two busy entrepreneurs can easily relax during their everyday lives, enjoy being together, and have a connection with nature.
These fields are the childhood environment of Juho Rappula. The farm has belonged to Juho’s family since the 16th century and it was clear that the couple was building their own home here. This makes it easy for them to be involved in the everyday life and the chores of the farm.
The log home was a natural choice for a couple that love nature in a traditional village landscape of Hollola. Elina Vaittinen and Juho had a clear vision of what kind of log house they wanted to build as their own home.
“At the Housing Fair, we saw a black log house. It ignited a spark in us for building this home. It had to be a log house. And definitely, it had to be black. There were many who told us that a black house could not possibly be built. “Are you completely nuts?” they would ask us. But we were sure from the start”, Elina and Juho chuckle, filling in each other’s sentences.
When the house was completed, many people admitted that the black house sits perfectly in the forest line. A dark facade disappears in the pine forest, starting right behind the building. Looking at the house far from the field, you hardly notice it.
Modifications to the Mambo-model produced a home with character
The Vaittinens started their construction project by exploring several different models of houses and conversing with different house suppliers. A good understanding was immediately reached with Mika Piho, a representative of Honkarakenne.
Modifying Honkarakenne’s popular Mambo model created the wishful home of this couple. The model had an appeal with its large windows, clear base and roof shape, which reminded me of forest trips and wind shelters.
“Things worked out and we were really listened to. Immediately, the first meeting created a feeling that we simply knew which house supplier we would choose.”
Juho Rappula and Elina Vaittinen
The Honkarakenne design service transformed the Mambo model into a home that suited Elina and Juho. They wanted the fireplace in the middle of a cohesive living-kitchen-dining area because of the atmosphere it creates and so it could be enjoyed everywhere. Elina wanted an open kitchen so that she could socialize with the people sitting at the dining table. The entire house-wide terrace needed to be accessed from the sauna and living room. Juho also needed a workspace to complete paperwork for his own company and Elina needed a space for yoga.
The log walls were treated twice with Teknos Log Wax TPL-TV-5060. The rugged rustic parquet is by Parlan Chalet Desert. The roof panel is by Siparila. Juho, himself, designed the stove made by a local mason.
Elina and Juho made a good team when designing the house. For Juho, it was easy to visualize the spaces in 3D. As a visual person, Elina made skilful choices regarding the colours and materials. The end result is pleasing to both of them and makes visitors sigh with admiration.
Interior inspired by nature
Upon entering the house, one’s attention is immediately drawn to the spectacular field landscape that is visible through the large landscape windows. Scandinavian, nature-inspired décor gives space to the surrounding nature. Light tinted log surfaces, white ceilings, and unpolished parquet floors create a harmonious whole, into which the black kitchen, black window frames, and black interior doors bring their own charm.
A wonderful dining table and seats were ordered from Karu Puutyö in Kajaani. The lamps were made by Bell / Normann Copenhagen.
“We wanted to make the home simple, clear, and solid. Therefore, the log defines the lines and, for example, in the kitchen, the heights of the levels. I wanted to use as many natural materials and colours as possible for the interior”.
Elina Vaittinen
Tomitec’s lighting designer helped create beautiful lighting that mimics natural light. Tomi Hämäläinen from Puustelli designed the kitchen and all the fixtures in the home. The home appliances are from the collections of Siemens.
Natural surfaces of wood and harmonious décor give space to the surrounding landscape.
Juho and Elina ordered the L-house from Honkarakenne, meaning a house with pre-installed exterior. Juho, who works as an entrepreneur in the field of civil engineering, personally carried out the groundwork. The rest of the work was subcontracted in parts through Juho’s contacts.
“From the outset, we knew we were going to do the building works ourselves. I come from the construction industry and many in my circles have been building for themselves. Maybe that is why we never thought we couldn’t do it. It was all self-evident,” Juho grins.
The foundations were carried out in the fall of 2017. The log cabin package from Honka arrived on the site in April 2018 and it was completed in December of that year. Elina and Juho wanted to move into their new home for Christmas and had already invited guests for New Year celebrations. Everything went according to plan: the budget was kept and the house was completed on schedule.
The sauna was provided by Tähtisauna. The benches are planks of aspen; the stove is an Iki-Kiuas. The impressive Wall Tiles are by Värisilmä Bistrot R4rt Infinity Glossy.
A home for rest and relaxation
Elina and Juho are already waiting for their first fall in their new home. Large landscape windows resemble paintings, which allow you to watch the ever-changing landscape and wildlife. Deer, pheasants, and hares have visited the field.
“Home is an important place. I am in a job where I see people continuously. At home, I can quiet down and do my own thing. Even though I’m very social, I very much enjoy this peace on my own”, says Elina.
Along with the yard work, Juho made a campfire site from the stones in the yard, where the wilderness-loving couple can enjoy the warmth of the campfire and the sounds of nature during the dark autumn evenings.
“We wanted to build this house in a sustainable way so that it will remain here for generations to come. It’s like this house had always been here. The house is part of nature and lives with it.”
Juho Rappula
Facts
- Type of house: Detached house
- House model: modification of the Mambo model
- Log: Honkarakenne unfinished log FXL 204
- Heating system: geothermal
- The shade of the exterior walls: Tikkurila Vinha D129 (Korppi)
- The shade of the interior walls: Teknos log wax TPL-TV-5060 log walls twice, panel once
- Kitchen and fixed furniture: Puustelli
- Lighting Design: Tomitec
- Construction Year: 2018
- Place: Hollola