GROUND TO HANDLE: A JOURNEY THROUGH NATURAL ELEMENTS

The museum’s main entrance is designed using natural materials found on site, helping the building feel connected to its surroundings. As visitors approach, the flooring subtly hints at the granite lying beneath, encouraging a sense of place and curiosity.

The entrance door is made from zinc, a strong, weather-resistant metal that gives a modern, understated look. In contrast, the handle is crafted from oak, chosen for its warm and natural feel. This mix of materials creates a welcoming first impression—when visitors touch the oak handle, it adds a comforting, human quality to the experience.

Altogether, the entrance reflects a thoughtful design that blends natural elements with a sense of warmth and respect for the local environment.

BRIDGING ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE THROUGH ACCESSIBLE PATHWAYS

The ramp serves as a transitional element between the site and the proposed structure, carefully designed to ensure ease of use for all individuals, including children, the elderly, and those with disabilities. It facilitates a seamless and continuous flow of pedestrian movement from ground level. Furthermore, the handrail of the ramp incorporates a design concept inspired by the natural bending properties of timber.

CONTINUOUS BENDING FORMS: EXPRESSING ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPTS THROUGH STRUCTURE

Metal footings are typically used for structures situated in water, where stability and resistance to corrosion are essential. For structures embedded in the ground, a combination of concrete and metal footings is used to ensure both strength and durability. The metal framework incorporates a continuous bending form, which expresses the underlying design concept and contributes to a cohesive architectural language.

FRAMING THE HORIZON: STRUCTURAL GLAZING IN SEASIDE ARCHITECTURE

The design intention is to implement structural glazing on the seaside façade, enabling uninterrupted visual access to the sea’s horizon and the urban skyline of Helsinki. This glazing system not only enhances spatial transparency and visual openness but also serves as an integral structural element, providing both aesthetic clarity and architectural stability to the façade.

DESIGNING FOR DARKNESS: NATURAL MATERIALS AND LIGHT IN THE NORDIC CONTEXT

The museum is located in the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum in Helsinki, Finland—a region known for its long, dark winters due to its northern location. During these months, the sun stays low and sets early, and the surrounding forest adds to the dimness. To counter this, the museum uses indirect lighting that reflects off the timber-lined interior, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for visitors despite the limited natural light.