The series of five independent documentary films about outstanding private houses on different continents designed by the world’s leading architects in the 20th century, the period of modernism.

VILLA MAIREA, ALVAR AALTO, NOORMARKKU, FINLAND

The world-famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto (1898 – 1976) designed the Villa Mairea for his close friends Maire and Harry Gullichsen as their home in Noormarkku near the west coast of Finland on the eve of Second World War. Located in a pine forest adjoining an old sawmill area, the house was to become one of the most notable icons in modern architecture. The film reveals the Villa Mairea as a unique artistic microcosm influenced by international modern architecture and art, Finnish cultural heritage, and Japanese tradition. The film also illustrates the design process of the project that turned into one of the seminal houses of the entire modern era.

Five Master Houses of the World – series
Duration 50 minutes. Spoken language Finnish, subtitles English.
Script, filmed and directed by Rax Rinnekangas. Bad Taste Ltd 20017.