©Timo Laaksonen

Pyramid Villa

Location: Sysmä, Finland

Architect: Paolo Caravello , VOID Architecture

Client: private

Material: Wood

Completion date: 2017

Site area: 1010m²

Built area: 125m²

Architect and Lead Designer: Paolo Caravello

Structural Engineering and House Delivery: Honkatalot / Polar Life Haus

Engineering Consultancy: Doventus

Photographer: Timo Laaksonen

Story:

Text provided by the architects:

Description
A pyramidal roof culminating in a fully glazed nature observatory defines this wooden house built on a square footprint.
The owner of a beautiful plot stuck between a mountain forest and a lake in Finland wanted a house with a distinctive character that would offer the comfort of a contemporary lifestyle and, at the same time, establish a tight connection with the strong and beautiful natural features of the site.
A solution was found in a wooden building designed around a pure geometric shape, balancing clean contemporary lines, traditional materials, and complex spatial solutions.
The house, built on a steep plot facing the shore of a Finnish lake, takes advantage of the outstanding beauty of its surroundings by creating special connections that are suitable for different seasons and activities.
The main feature of the house is the fully glazed observatory at the top of the building. From here, elevated and unobstructed views of the beautiful surroundings can be enjoyed. This space is conceived to appreciate the peace and quiet offered by the views, but also as a mountain top from where to dominate the internal spaces of the house as a whole. It represents the focal point of the whole building. From the apex of the pyramid, the multiple levels of the internal space are flooded with natural light.
Looking down from the observatory, the many levels of the house appear stacked against each other, while a fully glazed wall immediately facing the lake is also visible. This glass wall puts the double-height main living area in direct connection with the lake. The living area is split into two levels to better adapt to the existing steep terrain and clearly define its internal functions.
An elliptical staircase wrapping around a stone fireplace gives access to the balcony level and is a unique feature of the full height living area.
Terrace decks articulate around the whole perimeter of the building and are laid on different levels, mimicking the pace of the surrounding terrain. The partial protection of wooden screens defines several areas of the terrace dedicated to a range of diverse uses and suitable for different times of the day.
The house is equipped with floor heating combined with ground-source heat. Its timber frame construction clad in spruce is insulated with natural materials achieving a thermal performance that guarantees an optimal level of comfort even during the rigidly cold Finnish winters.
Other facilities comprise a gallery kitchen, guest bedroom, sauna, and two bathrooms.

The house is also fitted out with smart internet-connected devices that allow full remote control of features such as access, lighting and heating levels.

Questions and Answers
What was the brief?
The brief was to create a very recognizable building with a distinctive character that would take full advantage of its natural setting by offering several ways of connecting to its surroundings. The possibility of living in full immersion into nature without foregoing the comfort of a contemporary lifestyle was also to be taken into account.
What were the solutions?
A solution was found in a wooden building designed around a pure geometric shape, balancing clean contemporary lines, traditional materials, and complex spatial solutions.
How is the project unique?
The regular pyramidal shape of the building strongly characterizes the design and culminates in a special glass observatory at the very top.
What were the key challenges?
The biggest challenge was to design a house that would combine the features of a pure geometric shape with the practical needs appropriate to a contemporary lifestyle. Fitting the house responsibly in a place of remarkable natural beauty was also an aspect that took a lot of consideration.
What building methods were used?
The house’s main structure is a timber frame made of laminated beams and columns. The structural elements were factory produced to measure and assembled on-site in a swift manner. The external walls are cladded in spruce planks.
What are the sustainability features?
Particular attention was given to the indoor air quality: the walls are insulated using only naturally produced wood fiber and paper. Also, the beams and columns selected are laminated using only non-toxic glues. From an energy-use perspective, the house is equipped with floor heating combined with ground-source heat. The house achieves a high level of thermal efficiency thanks to the performance of the outer walls and roof. Moreover, temperature and lighting levels are automated and can be regulated remotely via an internet-connected smart system. This feature guarantees the most effective use of resources at any time.

Architect's quote
The early choice of developing the design around the pure shape of a regular pyramid gave us the opportunity to explore the connection between a clearly man-made object and the inspirational beauty of the site. It was a process of balancing divergences and affinities.

Paolo Caravello, architect, and lead designer

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