On a stable foundation, you can build big dreams

Dreams tend to come true if you only dare believe in them hard enough. A cottage in the archipelago had been a long-time dream for Jonas. However, talking with him made us realise that the cottage wasn’t “just” a cottage for him. It has a much deeper meaning for his life.

By blending beautifully into its surroundings, the cottage stands for sustainable development. Yet, it also represents Jonas’ roots. Standing by the sea, amid the softly polished cliffs in the archipelago landscape, the cottage symbolizes continuity and Jonas’s personal values.

The well-measured choices, including the wall panel, portray traditions, values, and continuity for Jonas. The plinths carrying the new part of the cabin connect old with new and recall the barren beauty of the archipelago. 

The cabin is also a place where Jonas can unwind. Within the tranquillity of the archipelago, amid nature’s beauty, it is easy to relax.

Deep values permeate the cottage

Any interior design magazine has not influenced the ideas for the cottage; they have a much deeper significance. A common thread runs through everything about the cabin, which honours and complements the old. Here, the ancient roots are connected to the new, from bygone times to the present day.

True to its origin

The cottage was built based on our own values and respect for our roots. Jonas remembers:

“During the renovation process of the cottage, I kept imagining what my deceased parents would think of the different solutions I made in relation to the choices they had made in the past. What things would they have appreciated if they had seen the cottage now that it’s finished?”.

For Jonas, it’s important that you can tell he’s stayed true to his origin.

Jonas talks about the background of the place:

“My parents bought the cottage in the late ‘80s. At that time, it was only a small cabin by the sea. The old cabin was demolished, and in 1989, a sauna was built in its stead. In 1994, a new cottage was raised in collaboration with Honkarakenne.”

The foundation for the expansion of the cabin was completed in the autumn of 2020, and work continued in the springtime of 2021.

The cottage is located at the end of a road by the sea in Pörkenäs, 10 kilometres from the centre of Jakobstad. Jonas says that the cottage is in constant use most of the summer. In addition, his brother is currently rebuilding another old cabin in the same area, which is to be ready come summer.

New life by the sea

“I could have made it easier for myself, but that wouldn’t have been the same thing”. Jonas tells a fascinating story about the cabin wall panel – the history of why he wanted it in particular. Hearing that story makes you realise why getting a finished one from the store was never an option.

For 80 years, the panel served under different circumstances. Today, it functions as a wall panel for the cabin by the oceanfront. Reusing old and untreated raw boards was the only right choice for Jonas, despite the immense amount of work that would mean. It was more than just a panel. The material is genuine, its origin familiar and meaningful.

“The wall panel unites my partner and me. It was originally located 50 kilometres from here, on my partner’s family ranch, where her parents raised cattle and grew potatoes and grains. Once, the panel consisted of the walls of four large barns. The largest of them was a facility for milking cows where, as a child, my partner used to hang around to help her parents. Unfortunately, lightning struck one of the barns during these years, and parts of it caught fire. Fortunately, they managed to save some of the wood, owing to that the panel of the cabin today has this deeper meaning.”

Inscribed on the panel, you can still make out the year 1939, a significant year in Finnish history. One can only imagine the stories the panel carries from that time.

The most outstanding plinths on the market

“Another thing I deemed important was the overall impression of the plinths. The builder responsible for our project suggested BCE’s plinths. These plinths are the perfect option out here by the sea. We didn’t have to cover them up, thanks to their pleasing appearance; we left them visible”, Jonas adds.

“Choosing these plinths also saved me a lot of time and, consequently, labour costs. Another convenience was their movability, making moving them to the right place a breeze. Finally, BCE’s nice and personal service was a pleasant addition to the whole process.”

On a stable foundation, you can build big dreams – supported by strong roots.

BCE helped realize this meaningful dream.