House Bear

Situated at seaside part of modernist garden city suburb of Tapiola, famous for it’s mid-century villas and functionalist public buildings, the House Bear was designed in 1961 by Elma and Erik Lindroos, an architect couple known for their works Kotitalousopettajaoppilaitos (Elma & Erik Lindroos, 1956) and Postitalo (Erik Lindroos, Jorma Järvi, Kaarlo Borg, 1938).

As most of the mid-century houses at the area the house was plan protected for it’s architectural values by the city. The house was almost in it’s original 60’s shape until the year of 2017 when new owners decided to give it a much needed major facelift. At the time of 2017, exterior walls were filled with rot and fungus damage, as interior surfaces contained asbestos adhesives. The condition was so bad, that almost everything had to be rebuilt from top to bottom, at the same time preserving the protected exterior.

Goal was to make a mid-century faithful modern home. On the inside the floorplan was fully redesigned because the first floor consisted mostly of dark underground storage spaces. Bigger windows were made to the south facade and now there’s a second living room and a spa section with an ocean view. On the second floor all rooms were relocated, now that the private spaces are lined on the street side and kitchen and living room situates on the south side creating a large open space.

All interior surfaces had to be replased. Some elements from the original material pallette like linoleum floorings remained, as well as wood wall paneling. Natural oak wood was used as the main component on fixtures, creating a Scandinavian minimal feel to the interior. Vivid colors and black were added to make a mid-century-esque contrast. Old fixtures had to be replaced, and new ones were made by local craftsmen. Fireplace in the livingroom is the only remaining original piece.

On the outside the renovation was done with restorative approach with some stylistic enhancements to the facade. Old windows and doors were replaced by new ones handcrafted from solid oak. At the entrance, a pergola was added whereas new terraces were constructed to the backyard. Lighting was designed not to bee too overblown, so use of up-and-down light fixtures were used to create atmospheric light.