Building Around the Maple Tree

Hello and welcome back to the 10th part of my series Beyond the Image, where I share the story behind the house featured in Super Finnish’s marketing. In this series, I take you through the inspiration, the five and a half months of building, and where the house stands today. This post explores how a majestic maple tree became the heart of my property, shaping the design, landscaping, and connection between the spaces around it.

I hope you enjoy it!

Beyond the Image: Part 10

One of the main things I want to pause and reflect on is the centerpiece of the landscaping: the maple tree. From the very first moment I visited the property, I was captivated by it. This maple tree, standing proud in the middle of the lot, must be 60-80 years old. It’s massive, sturdy, and full of character. The second I saw it, I knew I wanted to design everything around it.

The majestic maple tree became the heart of my property, shaping the design, landscaping, and connection between the spaces around it.

A Perfect Partnership

The house itself is quite small - not tiny, but definitely compact - and could have easily looked a bit out of place on its own. To create a sense of openness inside, I decided to raise the ceiling beyond the traditional height, which also made the house appear taller than its original version. This shift meant the house needed a strong companion to balance its presence, and the maple tree was more than perfect for the job. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the tree seamlessly pulls the structures together, creating a secret courtyard that feels intimate and only accessible to me.

The maple tree stood tall and proud, commanding attention right in the middle of the lot, as if it had been waiting for its moment to shine. From the very first visit, I was captivated by its presence and immediately knew it would be the centerpiece of everything I envisioned for the property. Its strength, beauty, and timelessness made it the perfect foundation for the story I wanted to create.

A Walkway Beneath the Maple's Canopy

One of my favorite additions to the property is the walkway I built to connect the main structure to the sauna building. It passes through a wild meadow and is slightly raised off the ground, giving it a lighter, almost floating appearance. Raising it not only enhanced the overall design but also brought me a little closer to the maple tree’s branches. Over time, the tree has grown some of these branches even bigger, as if it understands and shares my vision. They now arch perfectly over the walkway, creating a sense of shelter and connection. Walking under them feels as though the maple tree is protecting me. I like to think that, after standing there alone for so long, the tree is happy to finally have company.

The maple tree’s branches stretch gracefully over the walkway, creating a natural canopy that feels protective and inviting. As you walk the path connecting the main structure to the sauna building, it’s as if the tree itself is watching over you, offering shelter and a sense of calm. The dappled light filtering through the leaves enhances the experience, making each step feel like a moment of connection with nature’s quiet strength.

The Ever-Changing Beauty

Maple trees have always been among my favorites, and I’m lucky enough to have a few fully grown ones on my property. Along with two mature oak trees—a rarity—they add so much character to the space. Unfortunately, the oaks are positioned on the edges of the property, so I couldn’t incorporate them into the design as centrally as I did the maple. But this maple tree shines as a stunning centerpiece, with its vibrant, ever-changing colors. In fall, it bursts into fiery oranges, reds, and yellows, while in summer, its fresh green canopy feels incredibly alive and rejuvenating.

There’s nothing quite like the colors of a maple tree throughout the year. In spring and summer, its fresh green canopy feels full of life. But in the fall, it bursts into fiery oranges, reds, and yellows, offering a breathtaking display that no other tree quite matches. The maple’s changing colors bring warmth and beauty to every season.

Letting Time Do Its Work

From the start, my vision was to keep everything as natural as possible, and this tree fits perfectly into that plan. I chose not to treat the logs of the buildings, allowing them to age naturally into a beautiful silver-gray over time. This decision helps the structures blend seamlessly with the landscape while also protecting the wood in its raw, organic state.

I chose to leave the wood untreated, allowing it to naturally age into a beautiful silver-gray. This gives it a timeless look and creates a protective surface that shields the wood from the natural elements. It’s a simple, organic choice that blends seamlessly with the surroundings.

Dreaming of Future Projects While Enjoying What I Already Have

Looking ahead, I have exciting ideas for enhancing the space around and under the maple tree. While I eventually plan to build an additional wing on the property, for now, my focus is on smaller, thoughtful changes. An outdoor kitchen and dining area under the maple tree would be absolutely fantastic—a dream that I’m actively brainstorming. I don’t have a concrete plan yet, but I’m working on it and will share updates as soon as I figure it out.

You can find more photos and updates on Instagram!

Jussi-Pekka Kajaala

Nordic Visionary, Creative Entrepreneur