Architecture Wednesday: Remmarholmen Island Cabin

Have you ever dreamed of your own island, where timelessly stylish buildings would be ready for you and your friends, where you can find a sheltered place in all wind directions and spend your free time peacefully all year round? This weekend or holiday cabin sits on its own tranquil island just a short distance from the mainland and might be the perfect fit.

Remmarholmen island, just 40 minutes from Helsinki City, Finland, is all that and more.

The buildings—main house, guest house and sauna—all have an atmosphere that lends itself to being close to nature, with wonderful little details. The materials used in the interior—granite, glass, oak and rusted Corten steel—create a harmonious and luxurious feel throughout the three different structures.

The main includes an entire length of glass wall facing the sea, with a great room showcasing a sunken conversation pit and fireplace; the dining room and kitchen, with large pantry, finish off the open plan great room while two bedrooms and one-and-one-half bathrooms complete the plan.

The passage from the main building to the sauna and guest house is made easy with wooden paths made of durable Siberian larch and the large terraces around the buildings offer a quiet place regardless of wind direction. The sauna building features a large sauna with views to the water as well as an additional bathroom, while other building contains a kitchen, dining and living area, and bedroom and bath; perfect for guests. There is a separate storage building for hobby equipment and supplies, along with a sturdy jetty where you can helicopter in if you’re so inclined.

And if the design and details that facilitate island living are carefully thought out so are the property's technical solutions: geothermal energy, a desalination system to obtain drinking water from seawater and a wastewater system that meets today's requirements are all thoroughly thought out. There’s an outdoor shower, gas fireplace, motorized sunshades and outdoor lighting that contribute to the enjoyment of comfortable living.

It’s peaceful and sleek place to get away from it all and can be yours for just a hair over $4M.

As always click to emBIGGERate …

Dwell

A Very Gay Monday!

It’s Helsinki Pride, y’all, and fast-food giants Burger King and McDonald’s are in full gay swing with both The Burger King and Ronald McDonald getting their kiss on. In ads posted all around Finland, entitled “Love Conquers All”, the two fast food icons give a king-on-clown, male-on-male smooch.

The kiss campaign was developed by the Burger King Finland team in creative partnership with TBWA\Helsinki and Virta Helsinki and, ad a statement from Burger King Finland explains, the painting is meant to serve as a celebration of love in all of its forms. And Burger King Finland brand manager Kaisa Kasila adds:

“Burger King has always stood for equality, love and everyone’s right to be just the way they are. The only instance where it might not seem so is when we’re bantering with our competitor. We thought, what a better way to convey our values than by portraying an all-encompassing kiss between Burger King and McDonald. We wanted to show that in the end, love always wins. And we know McDonald’s stands for the values we stand for, too.”

It’s kind of nice to see two mega-chains putting aside their competitive differences for love. And inclusion.

Now, bring it to America!