The history of Villa Elfvik is published - new book reveals a fascinating story of a transformation of an aristocratic villa into a Nature House
KAMU Espoo City Museum has published a historical publication on Villa Elfvik, the over one-hundred-year-old Art Nouveau villa that has served as a nature house since 1992. Based on new research, the publication portrays the life of the aristocratic family and the villa’s transformation into an open meeting place for all city residents.
The history of Villa Elfvik, located in Ruukinranta, has now been compiled in one volume. Bachelor of Arts Heikki Vasara wrote the history as a joint university trainee for Espoo Environmental Protection and KAMU Espoo City Museum. The publication features previously unpublished photographs, archival discoveries, and information based on interviews.
An actress and her daughter lived an artistic aristocratic life
Villa Elfvik was commissioned and built by Baroness Elvira Standertskjöld. The villa served as a summer residence, and later the home, of the baroness and her unmarried daughters, Lise and Thelma. The history vividly depicts the family’s lifestyle, filled with art and social gatherings.
The work also highlights the cultural-historical significance of the villa, designed by architect Mauritz Gripenberg and completed in 1904. Its asymmetrical shape, high tile roof, small-paned windows, and decorative details make it a striking example of English-influenced Art Nouveau architecture in Finland.
Citizens saved the historic villa from demolition
After the deaths of the baroness’s daughters, Villa Elfvik fell into disrepair. In the 1970s and 1980s, the valuable building faced the threat of demolition.
However, civic activism changed the course of events, and the City of Espoo decided to restore Elfvik for a new purpose: an open nature house for all. At the same time, the Laajalahti nature reserve was established, making Elfvik a natural location for the nature house.
Residents continue to play an important role in the Nature House’s future
Today, Villa Elfvik offers a wide range of environmental education services to various audiences. Its exhibitions and events are open to everyone, and groups can book nature school days, among other activities. The recurring nature motifs in the villa’s architecture create a beautiful setting for its operations.
“Villa Elfvik was saved thanks to the citizens. Resident participation remains important for the house’s future. We want to inspire people to take action for nature and invite them to participate in developing the nature house’s services,” says Kati Vähä-Jaakkola, Head of the Nature House Villa Elfvik.
Further information
- History of Villa Elfvik: Villa Elfvik - säätyläishuvilasta luontotaloksi(external link, opens in a new window). Reading copies are available at Villa Elfvik and KAMU.
- Nature House Villa Elfvik
- Kati Vähä-Jaakkola, Head of the Nature House, Tel. +358 40 6368940, kati.vaha-jaakkola@espoo.fi
- Susanna Aaltonen, Senior Curator, Tel. +358 40 6343820, susanna.aaltonen@espoo.fi