Architectural Cases

Mer Architects' Långholmen Island House represents a profound connection between contemporary design and its pristine natural environment. Nestled on a rugged Finnish island, this residential project harmoniously blends with the granite outcrops, dense moss, and pine forests that characterize the landscape. The design prioritizes minimal environmental impact, utilizing natural materials and integrating with the existing topography. The house's two distinct volumes, separated by a covered outdoor room, facilitate a dynamic interaction with the elements while providing comfortable living spaces.

The exterior, crafted from untreated larch, is destined to weather and silver over time, echoing the indigenous fishing huts of the region. This deliberate choice allows the structure to gradually become an integral part of its surroundings. Inside, timber linings and oiled cement tiles create a consistent, warm aesthetic, complemented by bespoke furniture that optimizes the compact layout. The house features thoughtful elements such as sliding timber screens for sun control and privacy, and a sauna positioned for breathtaking sunset views, leading directly to the sea for an invigorating plunge. This holistic approach ensures a tranquil, sustainable, and deeply immersive island living experience.

Seamless Integration with Nature: Långholmen House Design

The Långholmen Island House, designed by Mer Architects, is a testament to sensitive architectural integration within a striking Finnish coastal setting. Situated on a rocky, pine-covered island, the residence meticulously respects its surroundings, adapting to the natural contours rather than imposing upon them. The design ethos prioritizes a harmonious coexistence with the rugged landscape, characterized by ancient granite formations, a rich tapestry of moss and lichen, and resilient pine trees. This new dwelling embodies a commitment to minimal disturbance, ensuring that the architectural footprint enhances, rather than detracts from, the island's intrinsic beauty. The structure\u2019s placement and material choices are carefully considered to reflect the unique character of Långholmen.

Arrival at the house is an experience in itself, starting from the open sea and leading into a sheltered cove. Here, a substantial timber jetty serves as both a mooring point and the main outdoor communal area, extending naturally from the shoreline. From the jetty, an elevated wooden pathway gracefully navigates through reeds and a small grove of pines, guiding visitors toward the residence. The house itself emerges gradually, its form subtly revealed among the tree trunks, creating a sense of discovery. This thoughtful approach to entry ensures a gradual transition from the wild exterior to the sheltered interior, enhancing the sense of retreat and connection to the landscape. The entire journey to the house underscores its deep respect for the island's untouched nature.

Architectural Harmony and Sustainable Living on Långholmen

The architectural composition of Mer Architects' Långholmen house is defined by two compact structural units, ingeniously unified beneath a single, distinctively folded roofline. This arrangement creates a cohesive yet dynamic form. One section is dedicated to a comprehensive sauna suite, complete with showering facilities and a changing area, emphasizing the traditional Finnish connection to wellbeing. The other houses a versatile combined living and sleeping space, maximizing functionality within a modest footprint. A pivotal element of the design is the covered outdoor room, strategically placed between these two volumes. This space functions as a central nexus, drawing attention to the breathtaking vista of the sea and framing it through the interplay of roof planes and timber edges, rather than relying solely on glass. This thoughtful design ensures that the natural beauty of Långholmen is constantly a part of the daily experience.

Durability and environmental sensitivity are core tenets of the house's construction. The exterior is enveloped in untreated larch cladding, a material chosen for its longevity and its ability to weather naturally over time. This untreated timber will gradually acquire a muted grey patina, allowing the building to blend seamlessly with the surrounding rock formations and tree bark. This material choice is also a nod to the local vernacular, echoing the traditional fishing huts found in the area. Practical features like sliding timber slat screens on the sea-facing elevation provide both sun tempering and bird protection, while also offering adjustable privacy without fully enclosing the facade. The light grey metal sheeting of the roof, with its reflective properties, contributes to passive cooling during warmer months. Furthermore, the house incorporates natural ventilation systems and a composting toilet, underscoring a commitment to sustainable living and minimizing dependence on external infrastructure in this remote island setting. Every detail, from material selection to functional elements, reinforces the harmony between the dwelling and its unique environment.

Architectural Harmony: Tides, Light, and Topography Converge in a Coastal Masterpiece

Dongshan West Bay Resort: A Landmark on China's Coast

Situated on the picturesque southwestern shores of Dongshan Island in China, the Dongshan West Bay Resort, conceived by Protoscapes, breathes new life into a disused fishing pier, reinventing it as a dynamic coastal amenity accessible to the public. Erected on the historical grounds of Qianlou Town's erstwhile fishing hub, this venture introduces the island's inaugural diving-centric retreat.

Architectural Design Inspired by Nature's Rhythms

The resort's aesthetic is deeply influenced by its surrounding environment. The curving patterns of its balconies mimic the ebb and flow of the tides, while elongated, triangular openings along its pathways capture the morning light and frame distant vistas of the mountains. A prominent 24-meter diving structure emerges on the northeastern side, clad in undulating perforated aluminum panels that visually soften the substantial concrete edifice. Submarine-inspired circular windows pierce the exterior, offering sweeping panoramic views of the sea.

The Heart of Dongshan: A Sheltered Courtyard Oasis

Dongshan Island has long served as a vital hub for maritime culture in southern Fujian, a heritage directly reflected in the resort's layout. Occupying the compact footprint of the original pier, the architects at Protoscapes have configured two L-shaped structures around a protected central courtyard. This design provides a tranquil communal space, shielding it from the intense summer sun and the strong easterly winter winds. Thirty-one guest accommodations and various dining options are strategically positioned along the southwestern perimeter, ensuring uninterrupted views of the ocean and breathtaking sunsets. A commercial thoroughfare, designed with a nautical theme, faces northeast, seamlessly re-integrating the development with the village's daily life and economic activities.

Connecting Land and Sea: Public Access and Panoramic Views

Terraced, open-air viewing platforms gently descend towards the water, complemented by a continuous walkway encircling the property. These features transform the pier's former industrial function into a vibrant civic space. The ground-level promenade, conceived as a continuous sheltered path, evokes the imagery of sea-carved coastal caves and offers a curated sequence of ocean views.