NHL star's summer paradise by Lake Vesijärvi - Henri Jokiharju's log cabin in Kangasa
When life takes you out into the world, your longing for home and Finland’s lake landscapes grows. NHL defenseman Henri Jokiharju and his wife Henrietta wanted to create a place where they could enjoy the Finnish summer at its best. That place came to be in Kangasala, on the shores of Lake Vesijärvi—a log cabin and lakeside sauna built on a plot of over two hectares now form the couple’s dream summer paradise.
It all started with a dream of a cottage by the lake
A couple living in Tampere had been searching for a suitable lakeside lot for a long time. When they found one in Kangasala, just a half-hour drive from home, there was already an old cottage on the lot that had reached the end of its life. They decided to start fresh and do it right. The buildings, designed by architect Memmu Pitkänen, were constructed from non-settling, massive spruce logs supplied by Ollikainen Hirsirakenne. The main building, lakeside sauna, separate granary, and outbuildings now form an impressive and functional ensemble.
Modern log construction at its best
The design of the vacation home began with a bold vision: the goal was to build something extraordinary. Under the direction of architects Niilo Ikonen and Meri Murto, a distinctive structure emerged, drawing its form directly from the curved cove of Lake Päijänne.
The main building has two full stories, and every room offers a view of the lake or the forest. The structure resembles the letter V, the ceilings curve asymmetrically, and a glassed-in balcony crowns the living room. The atmosphere of the sauna building is enhanced by black surfaces and a small loft that can accommodate overnight guests. The buildings are constructed of non-settling laminated logs—built to a high standard and with attention to every last detail.
From the beach sauna straight into the water
The beach is crowned by a spectacular 20-square-meter log sauna. In addition to the steam room and washing room, it features a changing room and a glass-enclosed cooling-off area. It’s just a few steps from the sauna to the water. Life at the cottage also involves spending time with family: Henri’s parents’ cottage has been built on the eastern side of the property, with a guest house in between where Henri’s older brother lives during the summer. His siblings and their families also visit often—the guest room has plenty of space for the youngest members of the family as well.
Interior design thought through down to the last detail
The interior combines a warm atmosphere with modern aesthetics. The Novart Nordic Nature kitchen, which caught our eye at the Naantali Housing Fair, is particularly noteworthy. The same collection can also be found in the master bedroom and bathrooms—light oak and natural tones create a calm and inviting interior.
Henri and Henrietta spent their first summer at their new cottage in the summer of 2024—a summer that will also be remembered for their wedding. As work takes them out into the world once again, their thoughts already turn to future summers on the shores of Lake Vesijärvi: sauna, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, and above all, spending time together in the midst of nature.
96 m² log cabin
Implementation
Manufacturer: Ollikaisen Hirsirakenne Oy
Floor area: 108 m², sauna 20 m²
Living area: 96 m²
Number of rooms: 3 bedrooms + living room + sauna
Number of floors: 1.5
Energy efficiency class: A
Frame material: wood
Architectural design: Ideaa Design/Memmu Pitkänen
Structural design: Ollikaisen Hirsirakenne
HVAC Design: Lvi-Job Oy
Electrical Design: Seppo Kantonen
Interior design: residents
Special features
2.1-hectare lot with approximately 200 meters of private shoreline on Lake Vesijärvi
260 mm non-settling spruce logs
A complex designed by architect Memmu Pitkänen
2 bedrooms + open loft + separate guest cottage
20 m² lakeside sauna, glass-enclosed cooling-off area
Landscaped yard: flower beds, stone pathways, manicured lawns
Novartin Nordic Nature Kitchens and Interiors
Structures
Foundations and subfloor: Rakennus Henria Oy
Load-bearing walls: non-settling laminated logs
Exterior wall paint: Tikkurila Vinha, custom-mixed shade
Windows: Skaala IFN Oy
Exterior doors: Skaala IFN Oy
Partition walls: drywall, log paneling
Interior doors: Eclisse
Stairs: Grado
Roofing Structures: Ruukki Metal Roofing
Heating system: geothermal heating
Plumbing system: hydronic floor heating,
mechanical ventilation with heat recovery
Sauna: Thermo Royal walls, ceiling, and benches in the indoor sauna
Interior design
Flooring: Bjelin Oak
Loshult 3.0 XL Hardwood
Interior ceiling surfaces: Oh Rimapaneeli Lauta Oy, white-stained spruce panel 120 STS/Puutoimi Oy
Tiles: Vehonimen Laattamyymälä
Fixed furniture: Novart
