Estonia: Holiday home in the Moonsund archipelago

 West Estonian archipelago

Interior architect: Hanna Karits 

Photos  ©  Tõnu Tunnel

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The holiday home in the Moonsund archipelago is a 250 m² artwork by Hanna Karits. The Estonian islands are enchanting in their uniqueness and this is what inspired Hanna to create a symbiosis of local materials, peace, light, nature, and empathy. A house where you can enjoy Nordic darkness, crispness, and fresh air. 

The house is a further development of the original factory building, which is a bungalow with an inner courtyard surrounded by tall and imposing windows, which fill the long corridors and living room with light. 

Drawing influences from the work of one of her favourite architects, Frank Lloyd Wright, Tallinn-based Karits created an interior that combines clean lines with warm wooden surfaces and carefully crafted cabinetry.

Hanna Karits:

"I decided to use wood in many different ways but give extra care to the details and connections between different materials. I have always felt comfort in these buildings. So my idea was to blend these emotions together and create something airy and spacious but at the same time really human-friendly, safe and relaxing."

Most of the materials used in the house are natural – wood, limestone, clay paint, and wool carpets. The combination was based on aesthetic choices as well as Hanna’s goal to create an environment that is as natural as possible. In order to enhance the value of wood as the most environmentally friendly and renewable building material today, Hanna has used it in as many different ways as possible. 

In addition to the floors, the same wood has been used on the living room and bedroom ceiling to make the high and spacious rooms with large glass surfaces safer for people in terms of spatial experience.