Known primarily for their performance electric cars, Swedish automotive company Polestar’s latest venture explores a new domain. The KOJA Treehouse floats peacefully above the forest floor in the village of Fiskars in southwest Finland. Finnish designer Kristian Talvitie first created KOJA for the 2021 Polestar Design Contest, where he won an honorable mention.
The Universe Will Let It Happen
With a name deriving from the Swedish word for a hut or den, KOJA is exactly that. The U-shaped room serves as a lounge/sleeping area with a tree rising through the center. However, with the only other amenity being a nearby standalone bathroom, KOJA is far from a permanent abode.
Interior decor evokes elements of both Scandinavian design and Polestar’s own aesthetic taste. Additionally, the treehouse features a panoramic glazed façade to immerse its guests in the natural surroundings. Polestar uses only sustainable and durable materials for the KOJA Treehouse while ensuring it doesn’t harm the host tree. Further, locally sourced wood and wool help KOJA blend in with its environment. It’s finished in Nordic Fir and Spruce cross-laminated timber, with an iron frame.
Polestar’s head of design Maximilian Missoni praised KOJA for “how it translates our brand values into a different environment.” Talvitie added:
“Most designers look at design from a user perspective. I also look at things from the environment’s perspective. There should be a symbiosis between the design and where it’s encountered.”
Though there are no immediate plans to manufacture KOJA commercially, Polestar hopes this concept prototype model will promote further interest in sustainable travel.
The KOJA Treehouse is on display in the village of Fiskars in southwest Finland as part of the “House by an Architect” exhibition for the Fiskars Village Art & Design Biennale.
Check out images of the space in the gallery above. Lastly, for more in design, Swedish House Mafia and IKEA Reveal First Pieces from Upcoming Collaboration.
