Kulosaari Terrace Garden

A seaside terrace garden in the heart of the city

Location: Helsinki, Kulosaari

"I want to invite you to my place and love in silence. The heart does not like noise."

"During those days, I walked a lot, and nature around me spoke a language more familiar than any other, and I let it move me."

ML

This home and garden in Kulosaari, Helsinki, have undergone an extensive renovation. The challenging terrain was initially overgrown with wild vegetation and weeds, making access to the backyard difficult and nearly unusable. However, its prime location made it, in the owner's view, one of the most beautiful spots in Kulosaari. From the backyard of this prestigious property, one can see Suomenlinna, the narrow Kustaanmiekka strait, and Kaivopuisto. The yard also offers a direct view of the ongoing construction of the Kruunuvuori Bridge.

The renovation of both the house and the garden took several years. From the front yard, the sea view was restricted by an imposing rock wall at the property line with the neighbor. Part of the area was cleared, and the remaining trees were pruned to open up the space.

The house has four floors. To improve visibility from the basement level to the backyard, the yard was lowered. Multiple low terraces were designed, each serving a different function. A sun terrace with lounge chairs was placed closer to the sea view.

The plot itself has a unique shape, resembling a mirror image of the letter "J". Designing a functional narrow yard presented challenges, but it also allowed for the creation of intriguing structures. The concrete wall at the neighbor’s property line appeared harsh and uninviting, so it was softened with a wooden cladding, stained warm brown to create a cozier feel.

A white steel pergola, located in the main seating area, features a lamella mechanism that can be adjusted or fully retracted, offering flexibility for different weather conditions. After the pergola, the plot turns at a sharp 45-degree angle. To accommodate this, custom wooden extensions were built on the pergola, both toward the sea and the house, providing additional privacy. The climbing plants, once fully grown, will further soften the structure and enhance the greenery around the pergola.

The entire garden features natural stone. Granite was widely used in various forms, including edging stones and cobblestones. The slate stone was grouted with concrete, ensuring durability. Additionally, the yard incorporates wide pressure-treated pine planks, chosen by the homeowners for their rich brown tones that blend beautifully with the natural surroundings.

After pictures from project

After pictures of project

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