Built in 2008, the Villa Mecklin has mainly been a self-build project by Huttunen–Lipasti–Pakkanen Architects in the archipelago municipality of Velkua Naantali, Finland. In early spring 2004 they travelled over the frozen sea to the island plot of a friend of theirs to precisely determine the locations of the buildings they had sketched in the rocky island terrain. The set-up for this project differed from the norm as the buildings were built at a leisurely pace, and thus they were able to study the construction details and develop them on site. Placed amidst the shelter of the narrow zone of trees, the main building sits in a small depression in the rock, its sheltered terrace extending over the summit of the rock. One arrives from the harbour to the entrance of the main building sheltered by the trees. The fireplace has been sunk into the centre of the large terrace, accessed via a hatch in the decking. In connection with the shoreline sauna, there is also a stove-heated cabin for guests. The building materials selected for Villa Mecklin are uncontrived, basic ones suited for the archipelago. All wood surfaces have been left untreated and will turn grey naturally. The Construction of Villa Mecklin was made easier by designing all parts, from the frame to the details, to be as simple as possible to be a perfect villa on the hillside with stunning ocean views.
