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Our Design

Our design approach is strongly influenced by the visual arts, especially minimalist sculpture, with nature serving as a recurring source of inspiration. These influences are translated into clear concepts, refined forms, and carefully composed architectural details. Our designs favour natural, enduring materials such as wood, brick, concrete, steel, and copper that age gracefully over time.

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We aim to create emotional resonance and imagination through architecture, guided by a user-focused design process that often leads to wonderful outcomes. While our architectural language is contemporary, our ambition is to design timeless buildings.

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Our notable projects include, among others, St Henry’s Ecumenical Art Chapel in Turku (2005), the Student Health Care Centre in Helsinki (2010), Villa CIPEA in Nanjing (2012), and several private residences, including House K in Espoo (2014).

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Outlines

We emphasize the importance of light in our designs. With a focus on creating spaces that are not only functional but also visually beautiful, our work showcases a harmonious balance between natural illumination and architectural form.

Storytelling

Every project carries a story at its core that shapes its purpose. Buildings are not merely structures as they live and breathe alongside their users, adapting to their needs and experiences. When we engage with these spaces, we contribute to the ongoing narrative, enriching the life of each building.

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Contact information and inquiries

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Matti Sanaksenaho, Architect, Professor

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ark@sanaksenaho.com

+358 50 561 2495

Tammimäentie 13, Espoo, Finland

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