Villa Kia
Constructed in 2003-2004 by artists Kia & Henrik Karlberg
Location: Hirvensalo, Turku, Finland
Type: Low-energy building
Architect: Pia Helin SAFA, Ark’aboa
Villa Kia is Kia & Henrik Karlberg’s Artists’ Studio, Atelier and main residence, located at Kaistarniemi, on the prestigious Hirvensalo island, in the city of Turku, Finland.
This is a landmark artist home displaying a stunning synthesis of functionality and aesthetic simplicity. Villa Kia is an elegant contemporary villa in absolute prime position.
The low-energy house was constructed between 2003 and 2004, by Kia & Henrik Karlberg, and has been under the same ownership (for 19 years) since its construction.
The south-facing estate offers stunning views of the sea and is one of the very few private residences to grace the tranquil shores of the Friskala Bay / Friskalanlahti, a protected nature reserve and Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA). Few places offer such unspoilt and beautiful surrounds.
The astounding and dramatic beauty of this location demanded a structure that not only took full advantage of the setting but that transcended ordinary architectural standards to become a work of art, a strong design that opens everywhere to the beauty of its surroundings yet creates a sense of total privacy from the rest of the world. Few places are designed with such care, such inspiration and such beauty.
Kia & Henrik Karlberg’s ultimate objective was to create a peaceful, balanced home that provided comfort and easy living. A home that afforded a superb Mediterranean ambiance combined with Nordic light and space and Japanese aesthetic minimalism, in a highly privileged location.
Villa Kia is truly a one-of-a-kind property, showcasing the distinctive design and pure, clean lines for which Ark’aboa SAFA architect Pia Helin is renowned.
The home is bathed in sunshine that pours through numerous enormous windows, furnished with electric blinds in the living area. There are 155 square meters of luxurious living space (of a total of 243 square meters). Features include two large bedrooms with views, vast open-plan living with fireplace, dining area, a fully equipped modern kitchen, home office/library, utility room, bathroom with sauna, sun drenched terrace, intimate patio, and storage room. The garage offers parking space for two cars. The garden is exceptional. The plot is 1.863 square metres, very private, secure and gated with fences as well as tall, spectacularly manicured hedges.
The house is adapted for Henrik Karlberg’s disabilities; everything is on one level, without thresholds, height differences or stairs. The washing machine, oven and dishwasher are placed higher for back friendliness.
The central point of the house is the large, bright Artist’s studio which is planned specifically for Kia & Henrik Karlberg’s artistic creation.
Henrik & Kia Karlberg are keen gardeners and have spent a large amount of time curating the impressive and manicured garden (designed and maintained by the artists themselves).
Villa Kia is one of the finest estates in Turku.
Villa Kia floor plan
More Villa Kia pictures
Villa Kia video
Visit Kia Karlberg’s website and blog for more Villa Kia pictures and information. You will find thousands of pictures there, as well as detailed property descriptions.
Find Kia Karlberg’s website here >
If you are interested in Villa Kia’s garden, have a look at Kia Karlberg’s garden tour >