Over the decades, the Scandinavians have garnered a reputation across the globe for being masters in the art of living well. From their timeless design aesthetic to their philosophies for achieving everyday contentment, they serve as a perennial role model to us all — even, as evidenced in the latest short film to be released as part of the On Design series by Vola, when it comes to aspects of life in which we in the Antipodean nations are renowned to be astute, such as beach houses and coastal life.
Presented by Lasse Andersson, Creative Director of the Utzon Centre, The Danish Sommerhus features a selection of typical summerhouses, with a focus on one located in Skagen. Designed by ARDESS Arkitektur, the coastal property is nestled in sand dunes, surrounded by reeds and grasses.
The Danish summerhouse is more than just a holiday home, Lasse conveys — and it’s a message that resonates. It is a place where memories are created, where generations get together to relax, reset and gain perspective on the wider world. Its atmospheric essence is defined by its proximity to nature and water. It is nothing to do with status or wealth but all about the celebration of tradition, the memories collected and the way that the limited space encourages a re-evaluation of life.
The concept of the summerhouse perfectly demonstrates intelligent design within small spaces, conscious consumption and valuing the simple things in life. It showcases the Danish love of sustainably sourced, long-lasting natural materials, as well as a tradition of pure design and craft techniques that go back centuries, including carpentry, masonry and thatching.
The ARDESS Arkitektur house featured throughout the film serves as an exemplar of such conscious design. From its humble palette of natural materials to it’s cosy yet pared back aesthetic and its thoughtful selection of fixtures and fittings, sourced from manufacturers who truly walk the walk when it comes to their commitment to sustainability. The Vola bathroom fittings, specified by ARDESS Arkitektur in the elegant brushed gold finish, make an apt point in case for conscious consumption in the project context.
It’s well known that Vola has always placed a strong emphasis on longevity, designing timeless, durable and sustainable products that are built to last. Using only high quality materials — pure brass and steel — and recycling 100% of their natural material waste ensures that waste to landfill is minimal.
But, for Vola, sustainable design and product manufacturing goes deeper than talking rubbish. In 1968, the Danish tapware designer/manufacturer developed the first modern day tap, working with renowned mid-century architect/designer, Arne Jacobsen. Today, the brand’s 50-year-old designs still remain a popular choice in homes today. From the outset, VOLA’s modular design system has ensured that old parts from their first models can be replaced with new parts. New products are only released when there is a genuine need for it and not for relentless novelty guided by trends. Suffice it to say, our beloved coastal homes — and least not our full-time abodes — deserve to be fit with nothing less.
To see the film in film, visit vola.com/on-design
VOLA
vola.com
Photography by Alex Wilson
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