Hietasaaren Lyhty - modern villa in the centre of Oulu

In 2025, the theme of the Oulu Housing Fair will be the responsible use of materials and the adaptability of spaces. One of the most talked-about sites at the event will be Hietasaaren Lyhty (site 9), where traditional villa architecture has been brought to the present day. The three villas, identical in structure but different in atmosphere, embody the cultural and historical layering of Oulu's Hietasaari and the possibilities of modern urban living. The designer of Hietasaaren Lyhdy, architect Jari Haapalahti, designed one of the villas as his own home. This home highlights Haapalahti's design philosophy, where practicality and aesthetics go hand in hand. The upper floor of the house has a small balcony, like a small lantern on the side of the villa. Hence the name, Hietasaaren Lantern.

The smoke sauna-like aesthetic of the Kuulas panel is the crowning touch of the sauna space

The sauna and washroom areas are highlighted by Siparila’s Kuulas sauna paneling. Made of aspen wood, the paneling is used not only on the walls but also on the ceiling, where the floating ceiling structure, combined with indirect lighting, creates a sense of spaciousness and a peaceful atmosphere. The black “kaamos” shade of the Kuulas panel deepens this effect and brings a smoke sauna-like aesthetic with a modern twist.

“The Kuulas interior panel brings the atmosphere of an old smoke sauna into the sauna. Its tone, softness, and natural properties make it a material you can lean on and linger with for a long time,” describes architect Jari Haapalahti. The surface of the Kuulas panel, made from aspen, does not feel scorching hot but remains pleasant to the touch despite the heat. Thanks to the hidden fasteners, the mounting points remain concealed and enhance the panel’s durability, as water cannot damage the wood at the nail heads.

Unity and contrast in the washrooms

The washrooms show a thoughtful coordination of materials. The flooring material continues in the same way from one space to the next, creating integrity and continuity - the sauna is accessed directly through a sliding glass door to the terrace, blurring the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces. High-gloss grey, large-format tiles have been chosen for the wall surfaces, providing contrast to the matt floor and the heat-treated aspen and black details. The variation in the gloss levels of the materials also adds visual interest while also acting from a practical point of view - the matt finish reduces slipperiness, an important safety factor.

Space and light on a small plot

The limited space available on the site has been used to the maximum. Large window areas, an open floor plan, high ceilings and the same flooring material inside and out add to the sense of space. For example, the tiled surface between the bathroom and the terrace creates a visual continuity that makes the space feel larger than it is.

"We had all the tools we needed to increase the sense of space - and we did it. Terraces, large windows, uniform materials and floating ceilings are all part of the mix," says Jari Haapalahti

Villa culture and year-round use

Hietasaaren Lyhty draws inspiration from Oulu's historical villa culture, especially from the 1940s and 50s, when the area was a bustling summer destination. The atmosphere is created by architectural details - vertical cladding, large bay windows, playful spatial solutions and a compact form - reminiscent of a traditional villa. But the spaces are not just for summer use. The design takes into account the needs of year-round living with storage and technical facilities.

Choices and domesticity

The project has been long and has required close cooperation between the different actors - a lot of meetings, revisions and brainstorming, but the end result is rewarding. Finnishness has been strongly present in the choice of materials. It is estimated that around 85% of all building and interior materials are domestic. This is of great importance to architects.

“I was already familiar with the Kuulas panel from a previous project. When I saw it in this space, combined with the selected flooring material, I knew it was exactly the right choice. Finnish-made, sustainability, and ambiance—this product embodies them all,” emphasizes architect Haapalahti

KUULAS panel - at the heart of the Finnish sauna

The Kuulas panel brings something to the sauna that can’t be measured in square meters: atmosphere, emotion, and a moment to pause. Lyhty in Hietasaari shows how even a small space can feel grand when design and materials come together just right.

Check out the Kuulas panel and other Siparila interior panels