Project Ö - Skjulskäret

“Ö” is for Island: Your Private Cabin Cluster in the Finnish Archipelago

Completely self-sufficient, these wood cabins topping a previously uninhabited island offer off-grid, deliciously isolated living with all the comforts of a modern home. Designed by Aleksi Hautamäki and Milla Selkimaki as their own private escape, the site has earned mention in Dezeen, Dwell, Designboom, and Financial as well as in Condé Nast Traveler, Konfekt Grand Designs and Gestalten books, for its dramatically remote setting, its entirely sustainable setup, and its thoughtful vernacular architecture.

Sleep spaces include a primary bedroom in one cabin with sea views on both sides, high ceilings over wood paneled walls and a double bed. There’s a lofted double bed, too, brightened by peaked skylights right above it for star or cloud gazing (and black out curtains for “lights out”). The tool-filled creative space, the workshop cabin, features a single bed and single lofted bed as well, the latter a cozy, wooden nest, lit only by a reading lamp. Bedroom styling/décor is appropriately clean-lined and Scandi-minimalist, with an abundance of wood, gabled roofs and contrasting ebonized cabinetry. An exterior deck wraps around the cabins and climbs over the rocky landscape, offering patio space.

The island retreat was created with cooks and dining in mind. The main cabin features a galley kitchen with gas appliances and a table for four. Food lovers will delight in the outdoor kitchen between the house and sauna, outfitted with a grill, pizza oven, smoker, fridge, and a prep counter with a sink. Diners and cooks alike will love the independent Pavilion, the island’s “restaurant space,” with a professional kitchen (gas cooktop, electric oven, pizza oven, barbecue, small appliances, two fridges) and a stunning, glass-enclosed panoramic dining area for 12. Campfire pits are located around the island, and kayaks and a rowboat are included for guest use.

A traditional wood-heated sauna offers sea views, a hot shower, a wood heated hot tub in nature and a natural cold plunge—the sea.

The cabins are powered by solar energy, with filtered sea water and a sauna stove that provides running water and radiant floor heat. The cabins also feature wood-burning stoves for extra warmth.

To see all Project Ö homes, click here.

Experiences

A captained boat tour is available at an additional cost. A private chef can be hired to prepare local foods and/or daily breakfast/lunch delivery, or a basket supply for multiple days can be arranged. Fishing trips can also be coordinated by request.

Around

Created for those seeking moments in untamed nature, this off-grid cabin cluster on a rugged sea isle lets you live the good life in the world’s largest archipelago in Finland. Activities include water adventures—kayaking, island hopping by boat, invigorating swims, and/or sauna/hot tub soaks. And the project’s workshop is outfitted with a wide variety of hand- and power tools and materials for creative inspiration. There’s a small sandy beach between gigantic boulders, a rowboat with a 4hp engine, a kayak for exploring the surrounding waters and islets, and the possibility of boat charter for greater adventures at sea.

Island hopping in the area takes you to Bengtskär lighthouse (20 minutes away), Örö harbor (10 minutes), and the tiny fishing village island of Aspö (60 minutes).

Location

Skjulskäret, Archipelago National Park, Southwest, Finland. Nearest airport: Helsinki (3 hours), a 2.5 hour drive to/from Helsinki-Kasnäs, plus boat to island, 20 minutes

Best time to visit

May to October