Turku, Finland
Finnish Design Shop
What’s the showroom in a nutshell?
Finnish Design Shop’s new logistics centre is a sustainable and innovative space that combines functionality and design. Located on the outskirts of Turku in the Pomponrahka nature reserve, the 12,000-square-metre building serves as the hub for the storage, management and dispatch of products from the Finnish Design Shop, which is the world’s largest online store for Nordic design. It also doubles as a showroom and shop. The building was designed by Avanto Architects and Joanna Laajisto to blend into the forest as much as possible while providing a comfortable and functional space for employees and visitors. Additionally, the building features a lunch canteen for both employees and visitors run by Sami Tallberg, an award-winning chef, food writer, and foraging specialist who is also an ambassador of Finnish wild food. The restaurant serves seasonal food that reflects his passion for delicious and nutritious food and surprising taste combinations. The ingredients are selected based on the seasons and the menus reflect the chef’s passion for delicious and nutritious food and surprising taste combinations, all of these have an equal impact on well-being. The restaurant also focuses on serving memorable lunches that fill the stomach, help maintain work efficiency, and promote intestinal wellness. Some examples of dishes that might feature on the menu are a salad of wild herbs and berries, mushroom risotto with pickled cloudberries and grilled fish with wild garlic and hazelnut butter.
What is the aesthetic of the brand?
The aesthetic of the Finnish Design Shop brand is one of appreciation for wood and natural materials in Nordic design. The building was designed to reflect this aesthetic with a dark facade that features a vertical relief pattern that echoes the tree trunks in the surrounding woodlands. Inside, the space features warm timber, large windows that provide views of the forest and plenty of natural light, and a neutral and natural colour and material palette with solid pine and ash wood. The showroom at the entrance showcases furniture from the Finnish Design Shop in bright colours to punctuate the space.
What are the signature pieces?
Finnish Design Shop is known for its wide range of high-quality and unique Nordic design products, including furniture, lighting, textiles, kitchenware and home decor. The online store features a variety of designers and brands from Nordic countries, and their selection of iconic brands and designs is one of their main selling points. Iconic brands and designs that can be found at the Finnish Design Shop include the Alvar Aalto collection by Artek, known for its functional and timeless design, and the Fiskars Iittala collection which features a wide range of Scandinavian home decor and tableware. Another iconic brand is the Marimekko, known for its bold patterns and vibrant colours. Additionally, the store also features a variety of other well-known Nordic designers such as Hay, Normann Copenhagen, Menu and many more.
What’s the city like?
Turku, the oldest city in Finland and once its capital, radiates a captivating blend of historical charm and contemporary vitality. Situated in the Southwest Finland region, Turku’s rich past is evident in landmarks such as the Turku Castle and Turku Cathedral, both of which have stood the test of time since the 13th century. As a thriving cultural hub, the city hosts a variety of events, including the renowned Turku Music Festival and the Medieval Market, which transport visitors to bygone eras. For nature enthusiasts, the enchanting Archipelago Sea, with its thousands of islands, offers a breathtaking escape for sailing, kayaking or simply relaxing.
Finnish Design Shop
Aviatie 2
Turku
Finland
Photography courtesy of Avanto Architects, Studio Joanna Laajisto and Finnish Design Shop
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Finnish Design Shop
Aviatie 2
Turku
Finland
Photography courtesy of Avanto Architects, Studio Joanna Laajisto and Finnish Design Shop
Urban
Rural
Trendy
Classic
Happening
Serene
Affordable
Lavish