In the architecture of Kantola, there are echos of Villa Mairea, one of Aalto’s most famous pieces. The gradual progression through changing spaces and views is a prime example of Aalto’s style.
The main space of the house is a spacious and bright two-storey hall, that opens up into a parlour, the dining hall located on the left. Next to the fireplace of the parlour are large oak-framed windows with a view of the sea shore and a back door with a path to the pergola and pine yard.
In Kantola there is one large and two smaller conference rooms equipped with the technology needed for conferences along with seats for about 60 people in total. On the upper floor there is a well lit hall, two spacious balconies and four bedrooms. The kitchen is functional and for events there is tableware for about 100 guests and a cold room.
Kantola was restored at the end of the 1990s with architect Tapani Mustonen in charge. All the main spaces were restored to their original Aalto-designed condition with some delicate changes made by Bertel Gripenberg in the 1960s. A suspension system was also installed in 2019.
Following the restoration of the façade, Kantola has regained its original, white-washed appearance. The windows have been restored and work on the wooden parts of the exterior continues.
Kantola
Kantokatu 5, Alvar Aallon Sunila, 48900 Kotka
sunilakantola.fi
The history of Kantola in photos
