What happened when two icons of Finnish design meet almost sixty years later?
Designed by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen in 1968, the Futuro house is one of the most distinctive examples of late-1960s space-age architecture. Originally conceived as a lightweight, prefabricated ski cabin that would be easy to assemble, quick to heat and suitable for challenging terrain, its elliptical form, plastic materials and futuristic appearance captured the era’s technological optimism and belief in new ways of living. Now, under the direction of American architectural heritage specialist Jan van Dijs, Futuro lands in Helsinki for Helsinki Design Week in collaboration with Marimekko.
The interior of Futuro comes to life in Marimekko’s hands, as the brand brings its art of printmaking and perspective on contemporary living and design into the house. The result is an experience shaped by Marimekko’s characteristic joy, optimism and boldness, offering a new way to experience the iconic structure.
In Marimekko’s interpretation, Futuro’s interior is divided into three interconnected areas: a kitchen, a dining and working area, and a lounge and sleeping quarters. The interior features prints created for Marimekko by textile artist Vibeke Rohland, who designed them while working at the brand’s textile printing factory in Helsinki for more than a year as part of Marimekko’s Artist in Residence program.
During the program, Rohland worked alongside Marimekko’s design team and the printing factory artisans, integrating hand-printing methods seen throughout Marimekko’s history into her creative process and opening up new perspectives on color, material and form. At Helsinki Design Week, these prints enter into dialogue with Futuro’s strong architectural identity.
“Marimekko has always existed at the intersection of art, design, fashion and architecture. Futuro represents bold and forward-looking Finnish architecture, where material, form and function come together in an exceptional way. Marimekko’s role is to enrich the Futuro experience by entering into dialogue with the structure — bringing a human touch, atmosphere and intimacy into the space through textiles and products,” says Marimekko’s Creative Director Rebekka Bay.
The Futuro house is open to visitors at the Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden in Helsinki during Helsinki Design Week from 28 August to 6 September 2026.
Images: Justus Hirvi
