Suomalainen pientalo – Finnish House is a catalogue of an exhibition which was produced by the Museum of Finnish Architecture and which was on display in Helsinki, Oulu, Jyväskylä and Tornio between 1986–1987. At the time, single-family houses were conceived as a socially significant and architecturally interesting field full of potential for development and experiment. The catalogue displays an array of designs that explore the contemporary lifestyle and urban challenges within the rapidly changing political and societal setting.
Timewise, the exhibition took place in a highly exciting period. The selection includes some of the seminal postmodern works such as the Paavola’s Old People’s Homes in Ruukki (Architects Lauri Louekari and Kaarlo Viljanen, 1981), and the late-modern classics such as the Liinasaarenkuja 3–5 Housing Company (Gullichsen-Kairamo-Vormala, 1982), or the Hirviniemenranta apartments in Kuusisaari, Helsinki (Arkkitehdit Oy Timo Penttilä, 1981). In addition to the 65 projects, the book contains introductory essays about traditional vernacular small house architecture and the recent changes in legislation and building code. The texts are in English and Finnish.
The copy currently in stock is in nice condition. The pages are clean, no markings except for a small pencil signature on the first flyleaf. The covers show some small signs of use and shelf wear.
