AIHKIKAMMI 

AREA: 94 kem²
YEAR: 2023

Holiday Home Aihkikammi is located in Äkäslompolo village, high on the slope of Yllästunturi at an altitude of 331 metres. At Aihkikammi, life truly takes place in the fell – among snowdrifts, old-growth pines and candle spruces. In autumn, the windows open to a spectacular view of the crimson autumn foliage, and through the treetops emerges the silhouette of Fell Kesänki, glowing pink, orange, or dazzling white depending on the season.

The design of the cabin was guided by four goals: it had to be silent, aesthetic, ecological and practical. The demanding natural conditions also had to be taken into account, as Lapland’s weather varies dramatically. In winter, temperatures can drop close to –40 °C, while in summer heatwaves the temperature can exceed +30 °C. Strong winds also put a strain on the structure.

The building has a wooden frame, is raised on pillars, and has a ventilated crawl space foundation. The exterior cladding is planed spruce panelling, the insulation is ecological wood fibre, and the roof is covered wit the traditional batten seam felt roofing. No mineral wool, pressure-treated wood, latex paints, or plastic vapour barriers have been used. Thanks to the breathable building materials, the indoor air is clean and fresh.

The building consists of two functional sections connected by a covered terrace. The residential side contains living, dining, and sleeping areas as well as a bathroom; the sauna side houses the sauna with washing and dressing rooms, and a utility room. This way, activities that produce noise and moisture take place on the sauna side, preventing steam from entering the living spaces and eliminating the noise of utility room appliances.

Thanks to large windows and a narrow floor plan, the residential side is filled with light. The bedroom, alcove, and bathroom form their own gabled “mini-cabin.” The kitchen and living room are an open space divided by a fireplace. Except for the tiled wet rooms, the walls and ceilings are clad in wooden panelling, and the highlight is a floor made of wide Douglas fir planks. The wood-panelled interior doors are handcrafted on site. The lack of mouldings around surfaces enhances the calm and minimalist atmosphere.

The sauna side is dark and atmospheric. The large sauna benches invite you to recline, and in favourable weather you can admire the northern lights through the window. The black dressing room also serves as a cosy guest room. Skis and outdoor clothing are stored and serviced in the utility room.

By closing the wooden sliding doors on the terrace between the two building sections, a sheltered space is created — snow-free in winter and insect-free in summer — perfect for cooling off after a sauna in privacy. With the doors open, the terrace is ideal for grilling and dining in shade and rain protection, yet still outdoors. Under the terrace stairs there is ample covered storage for firewood.

The cabin’s heating is electric underfloor heating, and ventilation is natural. Since there are no noiseproducing technical systems, the interior is completely silent. The centrally placed fireplace serves as both an additional heat source and an atmosphere enhancer. Thanks to the pillar foundation and crawl space, even in the snowiest winters there is no need to clear snow from in front of the windows.

Helena served as the architect, principal designer, and interior designer for this project and was responsible for all construction management tasks, including tendering for materials and work, as well as site logistics.