Log villa at the top of Utsuvaara offers Lapland magic with modern comfort
Utsuvaara in Levi is the Hamptons of the north. An area where handsome holiday homes soar high and the northern lights dance above the rooftops. Utsuvaara is also where two friends from Tampere built a log semi-detached house by Ollikaisen Hirsirakenne, combining the magic of Lapland with modern comfort.
Utsuvaara is the most spectacular residential area in Levi
As you drive from the village of Levi towards Utsuvaara, the road runs up the fellside. The scenery is expansive; on a clear day you can see for up to 50 kilometres, over fells and forests. The place is also famous for its northern lights.
Over the past two decades, luxury villas and glass igloos have been built in Utsuvaara, from which tourists can watch the light show in the sky. The aurora phenomenon is so popular that some guests ask neighbouring cottages to turn off their yard lights so that the northern lights can be seen more clearly.
Dream of a log villa
Two friends from Tampere accidentally found a plot of land with enough permitted building volume for a log semi-detached house. The decision was made quickly and timber was an obvious choice, as the atmosphere of the northern ski resorts requires natural materials.
"Logs are the perfect choice for the Lapland landscape and will stand the test of time," say the builders.
Ollikainen was responsible for the design, material supply and erection of the log body. The end result was to be impressive and in line with the style of Utsuvaara, and this was achieved.
High ceilings and Lapland luxury
The size of the villa is modest, less than 120 m² per dwelling, but it appears much larger. The ridge beam rises to 8 metres and the living room has a ceiling height of over 7 metres.
Both dwellings have three spacious bedrooms, one downstairs and two upstairs. The staircase overlooks the living room, and a glass back wall brings the sometimes meager Lapland light inside the house. In summer, you can spend an evening on the terrace without any bugs, which are kept at bay by the mountain breeze.
Black logs and a dusky atmosphere
The black colour of the exterior cladding fits perfectly into the fell landscape. Once inside, the atmosphere becomes even stronger: dark walls, black connecting doors and fixed furniture reflect the dark and calming atmosphere of Lapland.
The walls are treated with Teknos T8017, which emphasises the natural depth of the timber.
The reindeer is also strongly present in the interior. A lamp made from reindeer horns hangs above the coffee table, and there are hides and paintings of reindeers on the walls. The atmosphere is a combination of Lapland and elegance.
Sustainable materials and local selections
The floors downstairs are covered with tiles that can withstand the wear and tear of a ski lodge: you can keep your ski boots on when you come inside. All the tiles were purchased from Vehoniemi Laattamyymälä in the residents' home region of Pirkanmaa.
As you move from the living spaces to the sauna, the colours change to lighter shades and the tiles become more striking. The utility room leads to a sheltered porch and from there to the open terrace in the backyard, where you can spend time in the Lapland night.
The interior is finished with a lath ceiling and sparse, harmonious furnishing that leaves space for the landscape and natural light.
The magic of Lapland with all the comforts – this log semi-detached house proves that northern peace and modern comfort can live under one roof.
2 x 114 m² laminated timber semi-detached house
Implementation
Manufacturer: Ollikaisen Hirsirakenne
Architectural design: Ollikaisen Hirsirakenne
Structural design: Ollikaisen Hirsirakenne
HVAC design: Ruukki Talotekniikka
Electrical design and installation: Sähköasennus Ikonen
Interior design: residents
Floor area: 124 m²
Useful floor area: 114 m²
Number of rooms: 3 r + lr + k + s
Number of storeys: 2
Energy class: B
Special features
An impressive semi-detached house in Utsuvaara, Levi
Ridge beam at 8 m, living room height over 7 m
Stunning fell views and a great place to see the northern lights
Full-wall glass window to the backyard lets in natural light
Entrance from the side of the building, courtyards on both sides
Spacious sauna and washroom facilities in both apartments
A compact floor plan that feels spacious thanks to its height
Interior design and materials
Load-bearing walls: non-settling laminated timber
Exterior wall paints: Tikkurila
Windows and entrance doors: Pihla
Partition walls: plasterboard + log panel
Connecting doors: Jeld-Wen Suomi Oy
Stairs: Mööpeliwerstas
Foundation: plinth solution + ground-supported slab, Perustava
Roof construction: felt roofing
Flooring: downstairs tile, upstairs vinyl
Ceiling finishes: lath ceiling
Wall surfaces: Teknos T8017
Tiles: Vehonimen Laattamyymälä
Fittings: Esan Levykaluste
Engineering
Heating system: Geothermal heat
HVAC system:
Geothermal heat pump with domestic hot water accumulator
Water underfloor heating
Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery