The main building of the Akola farm was built in the 18th century by the Iijoki river in Northern Finland. At one time, the main building was prominent in the river landscape. When the river was dammed, it escaped farther from the building, and as the trees grew, the building almost disappeared from the river landscape. In recent years, the main building of the Akola manor has been restored and also its role in the landscape is being restored. The yard was renovated respecting the history and story of the place. Minimalist but intense landscape elements create an atmosphere that allows you to experience the world of Akola and to be enchanted by the lights and colors of the surrounding nature.

The key element is a mirror pool built on a river-side embankment of the yard. The pool serves as a reminder of the Iijoki river that once was flowing closer to the building. It mirrors the building, the birch trunks and the sky. On the way to the yard sauna, you can see the moon and stars reflected from the surface of the water. The materials are designed to evoke the senses and subtly reinforce the experience of the place. Around the mirror pool, you can walk barefoot and feel the shapes and temperature of the round-edged stones accurately. The yard road was layed out from stones obtained in the vicinity and they create a vivid surface to be observed while arriving to the main entrance. After the rain, each stone looks different with their natural shapes and shades.

Project location: Ii, Finland

Design year: 2019

Year Built: 2019 – 2020