Kivitasku was born from the dream of Mella and Hannu to create a place where nature, craftsmanship, community, and family life come together. In 1987, their life in an apartment building in Jyväskylä was replaced by a home of their own on the shore of Lake Kalajärvi in Muurame—a place that, over the years, grew into a unique courtyard, event venue, and travel destination.
Kivitasku did not come into being all at once, but piece by piece. Every building, path, and detail of the courtyard tells a story of craftsmanship, respect for nature, and long-term dedication.
Buildings and Surroundings – Architecture on Nature’s Terms
Kivitasku’s architecture draws inspiration from Finnish traditions, the world of the Kalevala, and both Eastern and Western building cultures. Influences can be seen, for example, from Karelian architecture and Japanese wooden construction.
Several professionals in timber construction were involved in the building process:
- Architect Pauli Lindström
- Builder Tapani Hietalahti
- Log builders Raimo Huisman and Tom Polamo
The buildings were placed on a forest-surrounded hill by Lake Kalajärvi. The primary materials used were natural:
- Wood from their own forest and local sawmills
- Stone from the surrounding area and quarries
- Recycled materials, such as bricks from the old conservatory in Jyväskylä
Each building is handcrafted, and the care taken is visible even in details that are not immediately noticeable.
The courtyard, with grazing sheep and chickens, creates a natural and lively environment around the buildings.
Stages of Construction – Growing with Need
Kivitasku has developed over the years according to the needs of the family and its activities. The area gradually expanded to include the main house, the Villa event space, a granary (aitta), a workshop, the Haiku sauna, and a log cabin.
The Villa originally served as Mella’s handicraft space and was known as the “Elf House.” The workshop was needed for carpentry work, while the granary and cabin accommodated guests and friends. Over time, the buildings formed a harmonious whole where living, working, and hospitality come together.
Haiku sauna – The Idea of Finland’s Best Sauna
In the early 2000s, the idea emerged to build a sauna that would offer a truly unique sauna experience. The project was carried out using aspen logs from their own land and nearby areas, and it took approximately two years to complete.
Completed in 2007, the Haiku sauna combines the atmosphere of a traditional smoke sauna with the functionality of a single-heated sauna. It provides soft steam without soot on the benches and has become a central part of Kivitasku’s activities.
Today, the sauna is available for private bookings and groups, and popular public sauna sessions make the experience accessible to a wider audience.
Kivitasku Today
Over the years, Kivitasku has grown into a place where the following come together:
- Accommodation
- Celebrations and events
- Sauna experiences
- Crafts and art
- Nature and animals
Kivitasku continues to live according to its original dream —a place where craftsmanship, nature, and people meet. The story continues in every building, every visit, and every moment spent by the shores of Lake Kalajärvi.