Architecture
The Haawe building was completed as business premises for the Osuuskauppa co-operative shop in 1933, when functionalism was the cutting-edge of architectural trends. The architectural style of Haawe can also be called “co-operative shop functionalism”. The central co-operative of Finnish co-operative shops had its own, highly ambitious architectural office that designed hundreds of business premises for small communities across Finland in the 1930s. Their goal was to set an example of a modern, functional business building that would stand favourably out from the cityscape.
One of the principles of functionalism was simple appropriateness: the design of the building served its functions, and all unnecessary features were eliminated. Hygiene was another central principle. By using light colours, large windows, and clear lines, the aim was to create light and airiness both in the façade and the interior. In the functionalism of co-operative shops, the most distinctive features included a plastered façade and the fact that the buildings had, for cost reasons, been built of bricks instead of reinforced concrete. In Haawe, the brick wall has been left in sight in the Kelo and Revontuli suites. The faux flat roof also became one of its characteristic features, although it did not quite follow the principles of functionalism. A high wall hiding the gabled or pent roof was a purely decorative detail.
Multiple stone houses representing functionalist architecture were built in Rovaniemi in the 1930s. The ones that survived the war included the Osuuspankki bank house across the street, and also the building next to the Rinteenkulma shopping centre.
Interior design
Planning the decoration of Haawe was guided buy the owner’s strong vision and respect for the nature of the protected building, central in the cityscape of Rovaniemi. The concept combines the magical atmosphere of Lapland’s nature and high-quality design solutions. A distinctive theme and atmosphere has been created in each room by using lighting, colours, and various surfaces. Quality has been a key criteria in all choices: for instance, the household appliances in each room are Miele.
Did you fall in love with the textiles or tableware in your room? No wonder, as they are Finnish design classics selected to fit the room’s atmosphere and the hotel’s concept.
Glasses and jug
In Haawe, you get to touch real gems of Finnish design. The Ultima Thule drinking glasses and water jugs from the same range have delighted people since 1968. The Ultima Thule glassware range is designed by Tapio Wirkkala, one of the best-known Finnish designers, and its ice-like surface is especially eye-catching. Thousands of hours of work were used to develop the distinctive, recognisable surface pattern and the glass-blowing technique that was needed in the process. In fact, this glassware range is a real masterpiece of Nordic craftsmanship.
Nature was Wirkkala’s greatest inspiration. He did a lot of design work in his summer place in Inari, in northern Lapland. He found the peace and Arctic nature of this place particularly inspiring.
You can also purchase products from the Ultima Thule range during your visit in Rovaniemi from the Iittala outlet at the Santa Claus Village at the Arctic Circle, for example.
Cheers!
Textiles and ceramics
The wonderfully thick towels and bathrobes in Haawe have been created by Finnish design institution Marimekko. The design is called “Varvunraita”, and it was designed by Vuokko Eskolin-Nurmesniemi as early as in 1958. The ceramic tableware – the Oiva teapots, mugs and plates – in the rooms of Haawe have also been created by Marimekko. Some of the Oiva tableware also sport the same designs as Marimekko textiles.
Marimekko, known for its strong prints, has been in operation since 1951. Since the beginning, Marimekko has aimed at timeless design and quality: some of the patterns and pieces of clothing created in the 1950s are still in production.
Marimekko has two stores in Rovaniemi: in the shopping centre Sampokeskus at approx. 100 m from Haawe, and at the Santa Claus Village at the Arctic Circle.
Bathrooms
The bathrooms continue and highlight the decoration themes of the rooms with functional, luxurious details. All bathrooms feature the multi-award-winning rain showers by hansgrohe. Their refreshing drops of water provide a pleasant wake-up, and the gentle and warm shower provides wonderful relaxation before bedtime. Besides style and functionality, the hansgrohe design also takes nature into account: the optimised mixer technology saves water compared to ordinary showers, without compromising the shower experience.
