In verdant Kopparnäs, a region characterised by unspoilt nature, lush forests, rocky cliffs and panoramic views of the Baltic Sea. More precisely, in Inkoo, a small town about 45 km west of Helsinki. It is here that Villa Koppar shows itself in all its beauty, with an avant-garde design that represents a true model of green building and architectural sustainability. In fact, heated geothermally, Villa Koppar is a passive and eco-home that is the result of a close collaboration between the owners, a young growing family, and the Collaboratorio architecture studio, which designed every detail of the house. "Designed therefore for a young couple under 30, who wanted to create a nest as ecological, natural and healthy as possible for their family", the house represents a step forward in sustainable architecture.
The construction and choice of surfaces
During the design phase, the construction of Villa Koppar employed modern prefabrication techniques and ecological materials, thus ensuring greater energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. For the protection of the rammed earth surfaces, Collaboratorio studio chose FILA treatments, using two products: MP90 ECO XTREME and MATT. The first is an innovative product used for extreme stain protection. A water and oil repellent treatment, it hinders the absorption of common water and oil stains. Free of hydrocarbon solvents, this product has been used especially in the kitchen, where stain protection is crucial without compromising the wellness of interior spaces. The second product is a protective wax that offers a matt, natural finish. Used for the maintenance and finishing of clay floors, it gives surfaces a natural effect while maintaining the original aesthetics of the material and providing lasting protection.
The distribution of space
With its splendid view of nature, Villa Koppar consists of a main house and a garage with an annex and is built with a prefabricated thatched structure (Ecococon). Here, the exterior is clad with spruce boards, which not only offer natural protection but also blend in perfectly with the surrounding forest environment. The interior, on the other hand, features clay plaster, a material that naturally regulates humidity and creates a cosy and healthy atmosphere. "Here, the careful design of the structure and interior spaces took into account two key aspects: a defined budget and the use of natural materials," the architects emphasise.
Design choices
The living area is located on the upper floor, where the owners can enjoy a panoramic view of the rocky, green landscape through a spacious terrace. This floor also includes a panoramic sauna, allowing guests to relax surrounded by the natural beauty of Kopparnäs. Moving on to the ground floor, we find the bedroom, a space that provides direct access to the garden, creating an immediate connection to the landscape. Both floors are contain Luonnonbetoni flooring, an unfired clay soil that is an ideal ecological material for green buildings due to its sustainable properties.
A minimalist approach
Architecturally, the building conveys a feeling of spaciousness and openness and, "not all spaces have a predetermined use". Indeed, the interior of Villa Koppar follows a minimalist approach, with a predominant use of wood and clay materials. A design choice that not only enhances the natural beauty of the materials but is also able to create a warm and welcoming environment that promotes the well-being of the inhabitants.