Cabin

They don't have air conditioning but stay comfortable in the summer thanks to passive design strategies like cross-ventilation, a heat-releasing mezzanine window, and cooling winds from the nearby river. Solar panels provide about 75% of their energy needs, and they charge their electric car during the day while remaining connected to the grid.

Energy-efficient features have been woven into the home, including a passive solar design, mini-split heating and cooling, and a well-insulated envelope.

Daybed stores linens and easily turns into a double bed.

A view of the sauna building before the patio and seating were constructed on the other side. The log cabins were constructed by a specialist company, and another builder helped with the interior walls. Jussi-Pekka and his father did all the other building and landscaping work, apart from the electrical and plumbing—often working 12-hour days.

Floor Plan of Mökki and Sauna by Kontio

In the living room, an Artek daybed is covered in Helios dark green fabric from Johanna Gullichsen.

The bedroom has wraparound views of the outdoors.

To pick a site for the buildings, Matt used his drone to scan the site and then Daybreak created a 3D model to test out options for placement.

Full insulation and a metal awning above the front door keeps this home cozy and stylish.

Original details, such as the ornate mantel in the ground-floor living room, mingle with thoughtful modern updates.