Modest in scale but big on stark Baltic Sea beauty, this first of four patented off-grid cabins stands strikingly at the heart of Helsinki’s dramatic archipelago, a holistic, harmonious modular creation of Finnish architect Pekka Littow with interiors by architect Päivi Meuronen and ingenious built-in furnishings by industrial designer Joska Heikkilä.

The modular love child of an architecturally trained, sustainably minded trio of Finnish creators and their French American technical collaborators, this off-grid shelter occupies a moss-riddled boulder perched above the Baltic Sea in Finland’s pristine Helsinki archipelago. Austerely ebony, with a minimally invasive, tiny home footprint, the solar-powered chalet has been featured in Condé Nast Traveler, Dezeen, Dwell, Wallpaper and Arch Daily for setting a new standard for resource-optimized, minimal impact living. Rainwater collection and a closed-circuit water recycling system add to the outpost’s sustainable credentials. But it’s the space’s off-the-charts, functional modular aesthetic that captures the imagination via drop-down sofas and tables, fold-up decks and tailormade architectural accents.

The 23sqm mini-house combines all basic living functions on a minimalist scale: a small kitchen, shower, dry toilet on one side, and a separate sleeping area upstairs with a double bed. Sea, wind, fresh air and forest encircle the tall, dark, handsome shack, outfitted with scenic windows and fold-out decks expressly created for breathing in the archipelago’s stark, restorative beauty.

The cabin is easily accessible by public transport and by car (with on-site parking). There is no reception or staff at the cabin, so the accommodation is self-service.

AROUND

Created to be a natural perch from which to enjoy the coastal life of Finland’s austerely beautiful Helsinki archipelago, the off-grid cabin is a quick 10-minute boat ride or a 40-minute bike ride from central Helsinki. The Baltic’s waters provide recreation in the form of boating, brisk swimming, fishing and other sports, and sunbathers and swimmers love to loll and warm themslevs on the island’s smooth coastal rocks. The Helsinki archipelago is made up of over 300 islands, a teeming natural playground just minutes from Finland’s urban center. Dense forests, sandy beaches, and coastal meadows hold wildlife and multiple migratory bird species, as well as mapped nature trails and protected groves and inlets, all allowing for easy exploring. Swimming and picnicking on the isles is a favorite activity, and the adventurous can partake in traditional Finnish hobbies like berry picking and mushroom foraging. 

In Eastern Helsinki’s inner archipelago, the island of Vartiosaari was believed to be a defensive local outpost against marauders in the Viking Age, and today holds the villas of the city’s well-heeled and affluent. A nature trail crossing Vartiosaari reveals an Ice Age glacial block and pothole, the latter known mythically as a “giant’s kettle.” Helsinki’s famous sea fortress is set on the island of Suomenlinna, the massive wall a crenellated divide that winds across and encloses coastal inlets also known for their migratory bird populations. Outlying Kaunissaari island is famed for its beaches and rich fishing waters, and the island features cooking shelters for preparing your catch as well as a notable restaurant serving smoked salmon soup.

LOCATION

Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland. Nearest airport: Helsinki (10 minutes to town via boat, then 10 minutes’ drive)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: May through September