Mini-cabins in Turku’s outer archipelago: a Swiss couple’s dream hideaway

The guest house offers a peaceful atmosphere, with a window framing the stunning archipelago surroundings. The Space of Mind concept cabins were designed by Studio Puisto, Made by Choice, and Protos Demos.

The open sea shimmers on the horizon, and glimpses of dark cabin structures blend seamlessly into the rocky island among twisted pines. This is Klaus and Rena Morlock’s getaway, exuding the essence of the Finnish archipelago and the timelessness of domestic design. Although the couple spends most of the year in Switzerland, their hearts beat for this peaceful spot in the outer archipelago, where simple living meets modern aesthetics.

The terrace adjacent to the main cabin is in a sheltered spot, making it ideal for leisurely lunches, entertaining guests, and lingering into the evening with neighbors.

Half-Finnish Klaus spent his childhood summers in Finland’s archipelago. As an adult, he visited Finland for only a few weeks each year, but Klaus, Rena, and their now-grown son still came together as a family. During the pandemic, they decided to acquire their own place.

Discovering the island felt like fate: just a couple of listing photos piqued their interest in the rocky island property. Once they arrived by boat, Rena and Klaus knew immediately that this was their dream cottage location.

There are other cottages on the island, but each plot is suitably secluded. For Klaus and Rena, island life offers the best of both worlds: personal solitude and fun gatherings with friends and fellow islanders.

The cabins sit high on a clifftop, sheltered by twisted pines. Their design language complements the rugged scenery.

The island’s stark beauty enchanted Klaus and Rena. Twisted pines and dramatic rock formations dominate the view, and the cabins are placed high above, overlooking the open sea.

The Morlocks did not want to alter the terrain unnecessarily, so each building was situated with careful deliberation. Their respectful approach to nature reflects their philosophy: they see themselves as guests on the island, not owners.

The outer archipelago’s harsh conditions test the structures. That’s why, during renovation, extra insulation and another layer of cladding were added to the old cabin. The metal Hee chairs from Hay work well both indoors and outdoors.

Originally, there was just one traditional cottage on the property, which Rena and Klaus renovated meticulously inside and out. The cottage’s wood siding is finished in a dark tone that harmonizes with the archipelago landscape.

Alongside the main cottage, they acquired two beautifully crafted, modern Space of Mind concept cabins, which serve as a sauna and a guest house. The sauna stands at the island’s highest point, offering open-sea views from its benches.

“We saw a Space of Mind cabin one summer in Fiskars. We fell in love with how it blends traditional Finnish wood construction with modern, ingenious design,” Rena explains.

Rena and Klaus have enjoyed the sauna’s warmth during bright summer nights, glowing sunsets, and rolling thunder storms. The Space of Mind sauna concept merges classic sauna ambience with modern design. Its soft lines extend through the benches, and it arrives as a fully equipped package that includes the building, benches, stove, towel racks, and sauna stools. The sauna bucket is by Kolo.

Space of Mind concept cabins come fully furnished. The clever design allows for adjustment—wooden slats can be moved and used as towel racks, for instance.

The cabins feature extensive use of natural-toned wood. The knotty wood surface pairs intriguingly with the minimalist design.

Rena and Klaus draw inspiration from young Finnish designers. One example is Vaarnii, which creates wooden furniture. The sauna wall features hooks by Vaarnii that echo the sauna’s forms.

The cottage’s interior is a tribute to Finnish design: both iconic classics and fresh visions from young designers. Klaus and Rena have furnished the spaces with Artek pieces, natural materials, and a streamlined aesthetic that complements the rugged archipelago. Wood tones, grays, and understated natural hues dominate, reflecting the surrounding serenity.

From the kitchen window, the sea view makes every cooking moment feel special. One of the kitchen’s most distinct features is a small handwoven rug that Rena crafted herself.

“I studied under a Finnish weaver living in Switzerland, Anna Saarinen for a year, weaving rugs on a traditional loom. It was truly inspiring, and I wanted to bring something here that symbolizes Finnish craftsmanship.”

The cottage’s dark kitchen is minimalist and modern yet has all the essentials. Rena’s handmade rug lies in front of the cabinets.

Rena and Klaus wanted to keep the traditional cottage feel, so the pine surfaces remain. Finnish classic furniture pieces bring a timeless, intriguing vibe. The coffee table and Tankki chair are by Artek, as is the A330S pendant lamp in the foreground. The dining chairs are Carl Hansen & Søn’s CH30P.

Although the couple values their privacy on the island, an active, close-knit community with fellow cabin owners enriches their life. Communal fish-soup days are a favorite, where everyone pools their catch.

“We prepare a big pot at our place and gather until the early morning. We’ve formed an ‘island family’ here and keep in touch all year,” Klaus says with a smile.

Crayfish parties, pier yoga, and group runs on the cliffs with fellow islanders add enjoyable rhythms to their days.

The couple finds endless inspiration in Finnish classics. “We want everything here to be Finnish,” Klaus says. You can watch the sea from the Artek Tankki chair, the living room’s focal point. Alvar Aalto’s black Golden Bell lamp and the coffee table are also Artek classics. The painting is by Swiss artist Simon Heusser, using pigments derived from seaweed.

Time feels fluid on the island. Days are guided by nature’s pace and the sea breeze. Only the afternoon appearance of a cruise ship on the horizon reminds them of the hour.

“When we see that ship around five o’clock, we know it’s turning into evening,” Klaus laughs.

Klaus and Rena spend five weeks each summer in Finland, yet the archipelago landscape never leaves their thoughts. From their Swiss home, they monitor the island via a weather camera, and each time they return, they feel the same sense of peace.

Although part of their roots lie in Switzerland, they feel this island retreat is a core part of their identity.

“Finnish nature gives you space to think and breathe. Here, you feel free,” Rena says.

For the Morlocks, this cabin is more than just a building—it's an ode to Finnish nature, design, and simple living. The island’s ruggedness, strong sense of community, and modern design’s harmony create a one-of-a-kind whole. The open sea on the horizon reminds Klaus and Rena of life’s endless possibilities.

In the renovation, the main cottage gained a bathroom and shower area. Warm wood tones, dark tiles, and a rain shower add a touch of luxury.

Rena and Klaus spend several weeks each summer on the island, both on their own and with friends.

The main cottage of this vacation home measures 60 square meters (about 646 square feet).