Transforming a Private Home into a High-End Retreat

How would you describe the house?

Villa Vasara in Kilpisjärvi, approximately 200 m²
Used for guest accommodation
Originally a detached family home built in the early 1990s
Owned by Mia Vasara and Nils Matti Vasara
Located on a traditional Sámi reindeer farm run by the owners

How would you describe the style of the house?

Modern, stylish and at the same time cosy. The overall atmosphere is very calming. In selecting materials, we aimed for high-quality products from nearby regions (Finland, the Nordic countries, and Estonia), and in the interior we use a lot of Finnish design. One example that comes to mind is the Ultima Thule glassware designed by Tapio Wirkkala, inspired by the northern nature and melting ice. I think they suit the spirit of this place perfectly.

We wanted to bring a touch of personality to the house by using, for example, antlers shed by our own reindeer as decorative items and by commissioning artworks from artist Katariina Souri—pieces inspired by both the surrounding nature and by us. We are also planning additional collaborations with artists since I enjoy showcasing Finnish craftsmanship to our guests through beautiful art, furniture, and interior elements.

What was the starting point?

Our house was built on our reindeer farm, Vasara Reindeer Farm, in 1992. My husband Nils Matti—Niti—is a reindeer herder from a family that has tended reindeer in the area for twelve generations. We have built glass igloos for guests on the farm, and I run the accommodation business. As demand grew, the idea of Villa Vasara emerged: transforming our private home into guest accommodation. The house was due for a renovation anyway, so the timing was ideal.

To meet the high quality standards of high-end guests, the house had to be completely renovated. We added more floor space by converting the former balcony into interior space and by building a brand-new extension with a new main entrance. We also removed the suspended ceiling in the upstairs living room, creating an impressive ceiling height of 4.8 metres.

Sustainable tourism is extremely important to us—ecologically, socioculturally, and economically. We live the everyday life of a reindeer farm together with our guests and introduce them to all aspects of reindeer herding as part of our daily routines.

Possible challenges during the project?

Renovating an old house in its original condition always carries risks—you never know what you’ll find inside the roofs and walls, whether there’s moisture damage or other unpleasant surprises.

Fortunately, we avoided major issues and the house structure was in good condition. The biggest challenge was having to find new contractors in the middle of the project. After that, everything went smoothly and we were able to finish the renovation successfully.

What kind of panel were you looking for, and what was essential in choosing it?

We wanted to highlight the height of the refurbished living room ceiling by using some sort of paneling. Originally, we actually dreamed of using a finger panel installed vertically. However, a friend recommended the Rotola-Pukkila Botnia Panels slat panel collection, and we instantly fell in love with it. We decided to install the narrow white-lacquered oak slat panel on all ceilings except in wet areas, where different panels were used.

Which product was used?

Slatted panel in white oak, LP1-B-W-01. It was used on the ceilings of all dry interior spaces.

What attracted you to this panel and why did you choose it?

As mentioned, we had initially been thinking about a finger panel, but once we saw the sample of the slat panel, we fell in love with it immediately. It just felt like the right choice. We knew it would beautifully emphasise the sense of height in the living room, but it also suits standard ceiling heights equally well. We were also drawn to the black background colour and the contrast it creates—the two-tone look works wonderfully.

How did the installation go?

We had incredibly skilled carpenters on site, so installing the ceilings was no problem at all. It was also a fairly quick process.

How do you feel about the final result?

The end result is absolutely fantastic, just as we expected—but it still managed to surprise us in an extremely positive way! The ceilings receive glowing feedback from every visitor.