Villa Aalto

Villa Aalto is a private home and architectural studio with white-painted brick walls and dark timber battens that form the exterior surface. The building displays a clear, functional design that extends through its interior layout and material choices.

The house was built between 1935 and 1936 as a residence and working space for architects, marking a key moment in modern Finnish architecture. It represents the rise of functionalist design that was emerging across Scandinavia during that era.

The residence embodies Nordic design thinking through its careful use of daylight, natural materials, and custom furniture designed by the owners themselves. Visitors can observe how the interior spaces integrate everyday living with artistic craftsmanship.

Access to the interior is available through guided tours that require booking in advance and take about one hour to complete. It is helpful to check availability and timing before making the journey to ensure a tour fits your schedule.

Local people initially mistook the building for a henhouse because its design departed sharply from traditional Finnish architectural styles. This early confusion reveals just how radical its architectural language was for the time.

Location: Helsinki

Inception: August 1936

Architects: Alvar Aalto, Aino Aalto

Elevation above the sea: 10 m

Part of: Iconic Houses Network, Alvar Aalto's home and studio building, Alvar Aalto Museum

Address: Riihitie 20

GPS coordinates: 60.19680,24.87650

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:01