House Kaarnikka
- Private house in Oulu
- 2017
- Scope gross area 300 m2
- Housing type 5 rooms + kitchen
- Location Oulu
- Client Private
![](https://luoarkkitehdit.fi/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/project-talo-kaarnikka-9-684x1024.jpg)
Starting point
The design started from the unique site and the hopes and needs of a four-person family for their home. The aim was to create a modern version of a traditional yard in the middle of a culturohistorically significant landscape of fields and the river.
![](https://luoarkkitehdit.fi/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/project-talo-kaarnikka-asema-1024x724.jpg)
Location
House Kaarnikka is in the middle of Kanttorilanpelto, an idyllic and open landscape along the Oulujoki river. A landscape of fields and the river surround the plot, with the Oulujoki Church and rectory and the new Nykäsenranta residential area nearby.
![](https://luoarkkitehdit.fi/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/project-talo-kaarnikka-julkisivu-1024x266.jpg)
Solution
![](https://luoarkkitehdit.fi/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/project-talo-kaarnikka-3-753x1024.jpg)
Distributing living activities under a number of roofs creates both a variety of spaces to live in and honours the spirit of old-time courtyards in the culturohistorically significant landscape.
The design leverages the river view in particular, with several different spaces opening up to the pleasant sight.
![](https://luoarkkitehdit.fi/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/project-talo-kaarnikka-4-637x1024.jpg)
![](https://luoarkkitehdit.fi/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/project-talo-kaarnikka-2-1024x770.jpg)
![](https://luoarkkitehdit.fi/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/project-talo-kaarnikka-6-684x1024.jpg)
The interior spaces create different kinds of atmospheres, but they are all geared towards making everyday life practical and convenient.
![](https://luoarkkitehdit.fi/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/project-talo-kaarnikka-pohja-1024x796.jpg)
The terraces offer access routes, spaces to relax, and connections between the buildings.
The dark surfaces and the heat-treated wood of the sauna building provide warmth and an intimate feeling as a counterpoint to the light interiors of the main building.
![](https://luoarkkitehdit.fi/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/project-talo-kaarnikka-7-1024x684.jpg)
Architecture in Oulu 2018 – Arkkitehtuuria Oulussa 2018 (2018)
Finnish Architectural Review (3/2019)
*photos Toni Pallari