Address: Riihitie 20, 00330 Helsinki, Finland
House Number: 24
Built: 1935-1936
Architect: Alvar Aalto
Introduction On many of my travels, I often seek out architectural gems: small houses that are iconic and stylistically significant but lie off the beaten tourist paths and aren't featured on every influencer's account. One of these significant masterpieces is the Alvar Aalto House in Helsinki, a place where architecture and light form a poetic symbiosis. During my visit, I was impressed by the thoughtful spatial design and the warm, natural lighting. The flowing forms and organic materials tell the story of an architect who masterfully knew how to direct light. To view the rooms undisturbed and in peace, the Alvar Aalto Foundation limits group sizes to a small number of participants. After a very knowledgeable and engaging tour, I had the opportunity to explore and photograph the house on my own. I will elaborate on the specific photographic techniques later, but first, let’s take a brief look at who Alvar Aalto was.
Who Was Alvar Aalto? Alvar Aalto, born on February 3, 1898, in Kuortane, Finland, is considered one of the most important architects and designers of the 20th century. His career was marked by a deep understanding of the relationship between people, nature, and architecture, which made his works renowned and appreciated worldwide. Aalto studied architecture at the Helsinki University of Technology, graduating in 1921. Early in his career, he began to make a name for himself by combining traditional Finnish construction methods with modern, functional design principles. This blend of tradition and innovation would become his hallmark. Among Aalto's most famous works are the Paimio Sanatorium (1932), Villa Mairea (1939), and the Finlandia Hall (1971). Each of these buildings reflects his ability to harmoniously combine architectural form and function while always placing people at the center. His design approach was heavily inspired by nature, which is evident in the organic shapes and the use of natural materials such as wood and stone. Another important aspect of Aalto's work was his activity as a furniture designer. He was a pioneer in the use of plywood and bent wood, leading to some iconic pieces of furniture that are still produced today. His furniture is not only aesthetically pleasing but also ergonomically designed, underscoring his humanistic design philosophy. Aalto's influence on modern architecture is undeniable. He received numerous awards, and his works are recognized globally. Alvar Aalto passed away on May 11, 1976, in Helsinki.
The Alvar Aalto House The Aalto House was built between 1935 and 1936 and served as a home and studio for Alvar Aalto and his wife, Aino, who was also a talented architect. The house is located in the quiet residential area of Munkkiniemi in Helsinki and embodies the principles and style that Aalto pursued throughout his career. The design of the house is a harmonious blend of traditional Finnish style and modern elements. It reflects Aalto's ability to unite functional requirements with aesthetic sensibility. The house consists of two wings – a residential wing and a work wing – connected by a central entrance. This arrangement allowed Aalto to seamlessly integrate work and private life. One of the house's standout features is the large windows, which ensure that natural light floods the interior. Aalto placed great emphasis on maximizing daylight to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. This lighting design, combined with the open floor plan, gives the house a particular lightness and transparency. The use of natural materials such as wood, stone, and brick is another characteristic element of the house. These materials were chosen not only for their aesthetic qualities but also for their connection to Finnish nature. The use of wood in furniture and walls creates a cozy and warm environment. Also noteworthy is the garden of the house, which was designed by Aalto himself. He integrated the building harmoniously into the natural surroundings, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. The garden was an essential part of Aalto's overall concept, emphasizing his belief that architecture and nature should exist in a symbiotic relationship.
Photography During my visit, I faced the challenge of photographing without using a tripod. This circumstance led me to make a conscious decision: I used a very wide aperture, causing the details in the images to often blur into an area of softness. This approach created a special diffuse and even somewhat surreal effect, which was further enhanced by the grand light flooding the house. The large windows and the thoughtful spatial design create a play of light and shadow that captures the house's atmosphere in a unique way. Additionally, I used a so-called glimmer glass filter, which further intensified this effect. This filter produced a gentle glow and helped to highlight the natural warmth of the house's colors. The warm tones of the furniture, wood, and building materials were particularly accentuated. The wide aperture and glimmer glass filter allowed me to make the most of the natural light and depict the architectural details in a soft, almost dreamlike blur. This technique emphasized the flowing forms and organic materials that Aalto so masterfully integrated into his design. It is important to mention that I do not see myself as a traditional architectural photographer. I am more interested in the interpretative representation of space and its impact on people than in the mere pictorial depiction of the architectural composition. This approach resulted in a series of photographs that not only show the visual beauty of the house but also convey a sense of warmth and intimacy. The diffuse effect created by the wide aperture and the glimmer glass filter highlights the harmonious balance between architecture and nature – a central element in Alvar Aalto's design philosophy. The conscious decision to reduce depth of field and use the glimmer glass filter allowed me to capture the essence of the house in a more abstract and emotional way. This underscores the atmosphere and experience of the space, focusing not just on precise architectural details but also on the overall feeling. Thus, the images invite the viewer to immerse themselves in the unique mood of the Alvar Aalto House and capture the magic of this architectural masterpiece.
Classic Cuban Negative Film Recipe
Fuji X-T5 35mm f1,4 and 23mm f/2