First introduced at Habitare 2024, the Neighbors area was designed to evoke a shared courtyard—a living tableau that evolves with its inhabitants. Here, the home is understood not just as a physical space, but as an emotional environment: a sanctuary for its residents, a setting for social interaction, and a private retreat for quiet reflection.
In autumn 2026, Habitare Neighbors will be reinterpreted through the vision of Oulu-based Arkkitehti Takkunen. This themed exhibition seamlessly blends contemporary design and materials with a broader dialogue on living, interior design, and architecture.
Led by Tapani Takkunen, the practice is renowned for its timeless Nordic timber architecture. Their work is distinguished by a deep respect for the natural environment, a clear and refined formal language, and highly functional spatial solutions. This approach is complemented by the firm’s visualist and interior architect, Eeva Takkunen, celebrated for bringing spaces and visual narratives to life with the same gentle, organic sensibility.
“For us, the human experience is at the heart of our work. In both design and client collaboration, we emphasise an empathetic and attentive approach, ensuring that every building is designed with its user in mind. In our architecture, we highlight a sense of place: a new building should sit naturally within its surroundings and complement the existing context with respect. While construction is a technically and administratively demanding process, we keep a human-centred perspective at the core of our design.”
The area invites visitors to consider how a deeper understanding of aesthetics and its history could become a defining turning point in the way we live. Rather than relying solely on contemporary trends, the Takkunens encourage us to recognise a broader spectrum of beauty and to allow the home to take shape over time.
Habitare’s 2026 theme, Plot Twists, is reflected here as an insight into how much can be left undone. When spaces are allowed to mature slowly and room is given for chance, homes emerge with genuine layering, depth, and character — without the constant need for surface-driven renovations.
The Neighbours theme exhibition
The Habitare Neighbors area is a human-scale spatial study centred on the visitor. Its approachable proportions, expressive materials, and carefully framed sightlines invite exploration. Buildings and structures are composed to create a rich variety of spaces: an open courtyard for encounters and shared moments, alongside intimate, sheltered places for rest and retreat.
The materials carry a sense of texture and tactility that encourages touch. Light has been considered with particular care: the inner courtyard is bathed in daylight, while the subdued atmosphere of the sauna and bathing areas introduces a quiet sense of mystery and calm.
Neighbors invites visitors to experience the area as a whole — together with others, through presence, movement, and shared space.
Would you like to become part of the Neighbors concept?
Habitare Neighbors offers companies the opportunity to participate in a sensory, experience-led spatial study. We are seeking partners who share a commitment to authentic materials, long-lasting value, and design that prioritises human perception and experience.
Join us in shaping the plot twists of future living, guided by Arkkitehti Takkunen.
Lapuan Kankurit weaves jacquard textiles from pure natural materials – linen and wool – in their own weaving mill in Lapua. The roots of the family-owned company date back to 1917.
The weaving mill produces Finnish design inspired by Finland’s pure and rugged nature. To balance out the chilling climate of the north, the textiles are woven with heaps of warmth and softness.
Nikari is a Finnish design studio and furniture manufacturer that merges traditional craftsmanship with modern design. Founded in 1967, the company operates in Fiskars and produces high-quality, timeless pieces from certified wood. Nikari focuses on sustainability and Nordic aesthetics, creating furniture that stands the test of time.
In Arkken’s bespoke kitchens, timeless design meets inventive solutions and authentic, high-quality materials. Crafted at our own factory in Salo, Finland, with over 20 years of expertise, each piece is individually designed and finished with uncompromising craftsmanship.
At Habitare, we invite you to experience the story of a premium kitchen with all your senses. Step into the world of Arkken, where every detail is thoughtfully designed to endure the passage of time, daily life, and countless glances. Find us at our own section and the Neighbours area.
Lennol – a factory, skilled people, and the expertise to deliver. Finnish textile craftmanship since 1967.
Lennol originates from the plains of Southern Ostrobothnia, in Jalasjärvi, Finland. At our own factory, we manufacture interior textiles for public spaces as well as private label products for Finnish brands and industry. We also serve designers, architects, and businesses through our showroom located in Katajanokka, Helsinki. In Finland, we represent Kobe interior fabrics, which are also featured in the Naapurit exhibition.
Puustamo creates door and wall solutions that seamlessly blend functionality and aesthetics. We manufacture high-quality wooden doors and wall surfaces for public spaces – such as hotels and schools – as well as for private residences.
Custom-made in Finland, our doors are at the forefront of interior design trends, built to endure from one generation to the next. Our primary raw materials are oak, pine, and CLT. Thoughtfully engineered technical details complement our responsibly produced collection.
Lunawood brings people closer to nature. Made in Finland without chemicals, Lunawood ThermoWood® products are crafted from Nordic pine and spruce. With over 25 years of expertise, these solutions are ideal for façades, sauna interiors and decking where durability, timeless design and a natural atmosphere matter. At Habitare’s Neighbours area, Lunawood is featured as part of lasting architecture and design.@
Fasetti is a Finnish design house that sells, manufactures and restores classic Nordic design.
Our love for Nordic design heritage led us to establish Fasetti in 1999. From the beginning, our family business has wanted to help our customers choose beautiful and high-quality products for their homes and make sustainable interior design choices that will bring joy decade after decade.
Quality and durability, as well as decades of expertise and a deep understanding of Finnish design, are the common denominators for all our operations.
Would you like to become part of the Neighbors concept?
Habitare Neighbors offers companies the opportunity to participate in a sensory, experience-led spatial study. We are seeking partners who share a commitment to authentic materials, long-lasting value, and design that prioritises human perception and experience.
Join us in shaping the plot twists of future living, guided by Arkkitehti Takkunen.
