HOUSE J – Helsinki, Finland by Avanto Architects Ltd

ByJon Dykstra Houses

HOUSE J at Helsinki, Finland by Avanto Architects Ltd.

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Building type: Detached house
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Design: 2016-2019
Construction: 2018-2021
Gross Area: 456 br-m²
Client: private
Designers:
Architect: Avanto Architects Ltd /
Anu Puustinen and Ville Hara, Architects SAFA
Assistant: Hiroyuki Tsukui, Student of Architecture
Interior designer: Jenni Enlund
Structural designer: Joonas Simolin, Benjamin Ward
HVAC-designer: LVI-Suunnittelu BRL Oy/
Ben-Roger Lindberg, Leino Kuuluvainen
Electric designer: Sähkö Solutions Oy/ Jukka Ruottinen
Garden designer: Maisemasuunnittelu Garden Living Oy/
Eva Wuite ja Laura Talo
Responsible site manager: Pasi Savolainen
Contractors:
Structure contractor: Potius Oy
Facade plastering: Etelän Rappaus Oy
Wood-glass walls: Profin Oy
Entrance door: Euramaker Oy/ Joni Peurala
Stair: John Naavalinna
Interior works contractor: Jonest Project Finland Oy
Ahto Nõukas
HVAC-contractors: Vesijohtoliike R. Karvinen Oy
Helsingin Rakennus-Vara Oy
Diileri Finland Oy Lämpödiileri
Electric contractor: Elopower/ Lasse Elo
Photographer: kuvio.com

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The house is situated on top of a high hill, the first-floor cantilevers creating a canopy for the entrance.
The house is situated on top of a high hill, the first-floor cantilevers creating a canopy for the entrance.
The roof of the ground floor creates a terrace skirting around the courtyard.
The roof of the ground floor creates a terrace skirting around the courtyard.
At the entrance is a large glass door and an open stairway with wooden steps.
At the entrance is a large glass door and an open stairway with wooden steps.

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The open stairway is designed with wooden steps hanging from the metal bars.
The open stairway is designed with wooden steps hanging from the metal bars.
The living room has an open-exposed concrete finish that blends wells with the white paint.
The living room has an open-exposed concrete finish that blends wells with the white paint.
The dining area next to the living room is designed with ceiling lights.
The dining area next to the living room is designed with ceiling lights.
A round table made from granite sit next to the entrance.
A round table made from granite sit next to the entrance.
A bi-level kitchen island with a granite countertop blends well with the exposed wall concrete.
A bi-level kitchen island with a granite countertop blends well with the exposed wall concrete.

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The open stairways made of tree trunks from the nearby forest lead to the upper floors.
The open stairways made of tree trunks from the nearby forest lead to the upper floors.
The bedroom has full-size glass windows overlooking the beautiful view outside.
The bedroom has full-size glass windows overlooking the beautiful view outside.
The first floor has a hallway with a small table and access to the terrace.
The first floor has a hallway with a small table and access to the terrace.
An exterior view of the family room and bedrooms located on the second floor of the house. We installed a hardwood double cover in the bedrooms to shield them from the sunlight.
An exterior view of the family room and bedrooms located on the second floor of the house. We installed a hardwood double cover in the bedrooms to shield them from the sunlight.
The bathroom features a sauna with wooden planks.
The bathroom features a sauna with wooden planks.

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The sauna with heating stones and has a glass enclosure.
The sauna with heating stones and has a glass enclosure.

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The bathroom features a granite wall with accent lighting.
The bathroom features a granite wall with accent lighting.
The house has a covered patio beside a swimming pool that is perfect for relaxation.
The house has a covered patio beside a swimming pool that is perfect for relaxation.
This view features the wooden deck and the covered patio at night.
This view features the wooden deck and the covered patio at night.
The house curves around an old pine tree and the surroundings are landscaped with plants.
The house curves around an old pine tree and the surroundings are landscaped with plants.
Location plan of the house.
Location plan of the house.
Floor plan of the ground floor.
Floor plan of the ground floor.

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Floor plan of the first floor.
Floor plan of the first floor.
Floor plan of the first floor with furniture.
Floor plan of the first floor with furniture.
Cross section of the house.
Cross section of the house.

HOUSE J

House J is situated on top of a high hill, on the edge of a single-family housing area. The architectural concept is based on the site: the building has a closed rear towards the North and East where the neighboring houses are, and it opens to the South and West, towards a natural forest. The house curves around an old pine tree, forming a lap with a sunny and sheltered courtyard. The free form and lush garden create a contrast to the rectangular building.

The height of the building is carefully fitted to the elevation of the adjacent buildings. The floors are not situated on top of each other. The cantilevered first floor creates a canopy for the entrance on the ground floor, whereas the roof of the ground floor creates a terrace skirting around the courtyard on the first floor. From the ground floor living room you have a panoramic view to the courtyard, from the first floor bedrooms you have long views over the neighborhood.

The floors are connected by an open stairway with wooden steps hanging from thin metal bars reminiscent of tree trunks in the nearby forest. The same theme of levitating wooden planks continues in the sauna room.

The concrete load bearing walls are left exposed in the interior spaces. The window frames and doors made of oak, create a warm counterpart for the concrete surfaces. The artworks on the walls add a splash of color for the interior.

During the design phase, the energy use of the building was simulated so design solutions could be optimized to save energy. The building is heated with geothermal heat and ground cooling is used for air conditioning.

The client wished timeless architecture and well-functioning premises for a family of five. The project was designed in close co-operation with the future residents: we practically designed the house together.

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Jon Dykstra
Jon Dykstra

Jon practiced law before launching his online publishing career, bringing analytical rigor to everything he builds. Home Stratosphere combines that precision with a lifelong obsession with residential design — architecture, interiors, landscape, and furniture.

His current focus is AI-driven design analysis, using artificial intelligence to study patterns in color, layout, and material choice across thousands of homes. His Personality Type Home Design Guide applies personality frameworks to interior aesthetics, helping readers design spaces that reflect how they actually think and live.

His favorite piece on the site is the 25 Most Popular Designs, is a daily-updated ranking of the top designs over the last 30 days, driven entirely by visitor activity. The feedback is invaluable for understanding what resonates most with readers. LinkedIn

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