(Credit: Polestar)
EV maker Polestar has undertaken a new project, away from the car industry to build a house in Finland. Koja is said to be the next-gen dwelling, designed by Kristian Talvitie, a Finnish designer who got an honourable mention in the 2021 Polestar Design contest. The EV maker was so impressed that it decided to bring the house to life.
“KOJA
Koja [kåj`a], noun. 1. A Swedish word meaning “hut” or “den”. 2. A minimalistic building, realised in sustainable materials, that provides an immersive nature experience.”
Koja is situated in the village of Fiskars, and it sits on a tree trunk. It gives panoramic woodland views that will make you feel serene. Talvitie worked with the design team at Polestar and Ultra to turn the home into a reality. “It’s amazing how well it embodies our brand values,” said Martin Österberg, Head of Marketing for Polestar Finland. “It’s beautiful in its simplicity, and the fact that it’s made from locally sourced spruce really emphasises our focus on sustainability.”
“We think we found the perfect home for it here at the Biennale,” continues Österberg, referring to both the design focus of the event and the fact that KOJA isn’t the only micro-space in the area. The Biennale’s House by an Architect exhibition features the “Hammoc” by AS LL TK, as well as Aalto Wood Studio’s “Kore”, alongside other ecological mini-houses all demonstrating that smaller spaces can have an outsize impact when it comes to tackling the climate crisis.
“Most designers look at design from a user perspective. I also look at things from the environment’s perspective, there should be a symbiosis between the design and where it’s encountered,” said Talvitie.
The house completes the design with materials used that are sustainable. This shows that even with a cutting-edge design, we can still do our part in protecting nature, just like how Polestar balanced its cutting-edge technology with its commitment to the environment.
