WISA Wooden Design Hotel, Helsinki
Perched on the edge of a rocky outcrop in Helsinki Harbour, overlooking the gothic spires of the Finnish capital, a new, swooping structure has recently taken residence. Titled the Wooden Design Hotel, this unexpected guest offers an elegant lesson in what best to do with wood.
See more of this Helsinki-based swooping wooden structure
Despite its deceptive title, the undulating wooden structure is in fact not really a hotel. More of a temporary housing prototype able to hold the occasional guest, the woody monument has been designed by Interior architect Pieta-Linda Auttila for timber merchants WISA, as part of a commission to reassert the architectural benefits of the material.
Constructed in Finnish pine, birch and spruce, the 'hotel' constitutes an angular wood-decked tube, which expands flatulently in the centre - curling off into billowing shapes before returning to uniformity at each end.
With two separate living quarters situated at both ends, and a central, shared atrium in the centre – everything from the benches to the beds are constructed in the ever-present Finnish pine, whilst walls and ceilings come coated in ethereal shades of Birch.
Rising out of the sea on its dark, stony island - the structure, in place until the end of September, is not designed to blend with the scenery. Built to bring wood back to the drawing board - we're wondering where it will end up next, any takers?
ADDRESS
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
WISA Wooden Design Hotel
Valkosaari
Helsinki
Finland
Melina Keays is the entertaining director of Wallpaper*. She has been part of the brand since the magazine’s launch in 1996, and is responsible for entertaining content across the print and digital platforms, and for Wallpaper’s creative agency Bespoke. A native Londoner, Melina takes inspiration from the whole spectrum of art and design – including film, literature, and fashion. Her work for the brand involves curating content, writing, and creative direction – conceiving luxury interior landscapes with a focus on food, drinks, and entertaining in all its forms
-
Copper piping turns contemporary lighting: the twist in JamesPlumb’s designs at Gallery Fumi
Design studio JamesPlumb presents sculptural copper chandeliers and floor lights in its solo exhibition 'Rooted' at Gallery Fumi (until 25 January 2025)
By Ali Morris Published
-
Circling back: Lars Tunbjörk's uncanny office photography is revisited in a new book
First published in 2001 and long since sold out, 'Office' is revisited this month by the publisher Loose Joints, released with a second volume shot in Los Angeles, the previously unpublished LA Office
By Zoe Whitfield Published
-
A Peckham house design unlocks a spatial puzzle in south London
Audacious details, subtle colours and a product designer for a client make this Peckham house conversion a unique spatial experience
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Helsinki’s Hotel Maria is marked by history and opulence
The Hotel Maria sets out to redefine the Nordic hospitality landscape with luxurious interiors, in-room saunas and a sumptuous spa
By Naomi Moriyama Published
-
Finnair marks a century of connecting horizons
Finnair celebrates its 100th anniversary with global festivities
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
Club culture and winter swimming: what to do in Helsinki
What to do in Helsinki – public saunas, an artful hotel and classic Finnish cuisine are all on our Helsinki tour, courtesy of Wallpaper* contributing editor Emma O'Kelly
By Emma O'Kelly Published
-
Villa One at the One & Only Palmilla — Los Cabos, Mexico
By Chadner Navarro Published
-
Escape the heat: beach huts to inspire your seaside stay
Beach huts, small and large coastal cabins and holiday retreats across the globe dedicated to the adoration of the seaside, are here to stay; grab a deck chair and get inspired by some of the genre's finest
By Ellie Stathaki Last updated
-
Twin Chilean cabins win Best Retreat: Wallpaper* Design Awards 2021
Cabañas Maralto, a duo of holiday cabins in Chile designed by Croxatto & Opazo, scoop a Wallpaper* Design Award 2021
By Ellie Stathaki Last updated
-
Martim — Wroclaw, Poland
By Daven Wu Last updated
-
Tattersalls Hotel — Armidale, Australia
By Dimity Noble Last updated