Sikke Sumari, a food industry entrepreneur and a connoisseur of life, values the beauty, functionality, and aesthetics of everyday living. While she dreams of owning a place in Italy, she also cherishes the Finnish archipelago and its summers. This past summer, she and her son undertook the renovation of a long-standing family summer house in the archipelago. The refurbished sauna building and its terraces were completed with Cigale & Fourmi pots.
This summer, Sikke Sumari’s family summer house in the archipelago became even more inviting with the transformation of the old, dilapidated building into a sauna. This mother-son project combined their vision with the expertise of architect Mathias Nyström, who focuses on ecological design and harmonising the building with its surroundings. The result is a sauna building that appears much larger than its actual size and integrates seamlessly into the landscape.
“In the building, there are essentially two areas: a changing room and a sauna chamber, linked by a corridor. Floor-to-ceiling windows enhance the sense of spaciousness, and the building is surrounded by a vast terrace,” Sumari describes.
Attention to Detail – Practical and Beautiful Pots Perfect the Look
Once the major elements and the building were completed, the focus shifted to the details. The terrace surrounding the building needed something beautiful that complemented both the environment and the structure. Pots were a natural choice due to their visual appeal and practicality: growing herbs and flowers in the harsh archipelago soil would be challenging, almost impossible. Besides their attractive appearance, the pots are also versatile, allowing for easy repositioning to capture sunlight and avoid shade.
The pots were promptly planted with basil and rosemary, which Sumari and other visitors to the summer house can harvest directly for their cooking. Additionally, vibrant violet lavender was selected for its potential to survive the winter in the pots.
“I knew right away that we would choose pots from Cigale & Fourmi, as they offer the most beautiful pots in the world. Beyond their appearance, I appreciate their traditional manufacturing methods and European production. We received expert assistance in selecting and planting the pots correctly, given that the pots must withstand the harsh winter conditions of the archipelago. In winter, it is challenging to access the island to protect the pots, so they need to endure on their own.”
It was clear that the pots needed a vibrant surface, though there was some debate between the duo about the design. Their shared goal, however, was to create a subtly stylish, timeless ensemble that enhances the terrace's comfort and provides a cohesive finish to the overall look.
"My son is a minimalist, whereas I favour a more rustic and abundant look. We had several discussions about the level of minimalism for the terrace. In the end, my son’s vision won, and I must admit—the chosen pots fit seamlessly with the stark archipelago landscape and the wooden wall of the building. The pots’ impact on the overall appearance is far greater than we dared to imagine."
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