When Maritta and Antti Osterberg were designing their new home in Kokkola, Finland, one thing quickly became one of their top priorities: creating a calm and pleasant sound environment. In modern homes, large glass surfaces, high ceilings, and hard materials easily create echo and reverberation, which they knew would significantly affect everyday living comfort.
After a long comparison process, they chose Ewona’s customizable acoustic solutions for both the main house and the separate sauna lounge building.
Acoustics Became One of the Most Important Elements of the Home
Both the main building and the sauna lounge feature ceiling heights close to three meters. The high spaces and large glass surfaces naturally create echo, while materials such as tile and glass further increase sound reflection.
For the Osterbergs, good acoustics were not just an additional feature — they were an essential part of the atmosphere of the home.
“We enjoy a calm atmosphere. We often have guests over, and when there are many people, conversations would easily turn into noise without proper acoustics. Guests are often surprised by how peaceful the space feels.”
The acoustic solutions created a softer and more controlled sound environment that can be felt in everyday life.
A Tailored Solution for the Home and Sauna Lounge
Several different acoustic solutions were implemented throughout the property based on the function and interior design of each space.
In the main house, oak-look 30×20 mm slat panels with black 9 mm acoustic backing were selected. Instead of real wood veneer, the family chose a solution that maintains its appearance over time and does not darken with age.
In the sauna lounge, a custom solution made from heat-treated pine was installed, with separate wooden slats mounted onto the acoustic backing to create a warm and cozy atmosphere.
“There’s a lot of ceiling surface area, so carefully selected acoustic ceiling solutions also bring warmth and coziness into the space. Besides improving acoustics, they work as a beautiful interior design element.”
The project also required technical details and edges to be cleanly integrated into the overall design. LED lighting and lighting rails needed to be seamlessly recessed between the panels, making Ewona’s flexibility and customization one of the key reasons for choosing the company.
“Pirjo immediately said: ‘We’ll make exactly the kind of solution you want.’ That stayed with us — the products could genuinely be customized for our needs.”
The Difference Was Noticeable Immediately
The impact of the acoustics became clear right away. Conversations remain comfortable even when many people are gathered in the same space. The children’s rooms have not yet been acoustically treated, and according to the family, the difference between treated and untreated spaces is like night and day.
Guests have also noticed the effect acoustics have on the atmosphere of the home. One particular moment especially stayed in the family’s mind:
“One guest came into the hallway for the first time, took off their shoes, and just stopped there quietly wondering how peaceful the space sounded.”
Children’s voices also blend into the environment much more naturally.
“The sounds of small children playing don’t disturb conversations at all. Usually, in large open spaces, children’s voices constantly mix into conversations.”
Listening to music has also become significantly more enjoyable compared to their previous home now that the acoustics are properly balanced.
Smooth Collaboration and a Finnish-Made Solution
The family explored several suppliers and alternatives before making their decision. They even considered building the acoustic slat panels themselves from scratch. After calculations and discussions, they concluded that a ready-made, high-quality solution was worth the investment.
Customization possibilities and Finnish manufacturing ultimately made Ewona the right choice.
“Buying Finnish-made products was very important to us. Especially nowadays, it feels meaningful to support domestic production.”
The installation was carried out by the construction company, whose installers had no previous experience with Ewona products. Thanks to clear instructions and professional craftsmanship, the final result turned out exceptionally clean and polished.
Throughout the entire project, Ewona’s customer service left a particularly strong impression on the family.
“The customer service was honestly 6 out of 5. They patiently answered even our so-called silly questions, and we truly felt they weren’t just trying to sell something — they genuinely listened and helped create a solution that perfectly suited our needs.”
The Final Result Exceeded Expectations
The acoustic solutions became an essential part of the home’s atmosphere, functionality, and interior design. The end result was exactly what the family had hoped for: a calm, warm, and carefully finished living environment.
“We can sincerely recommend Ewona. The customer service was first-class, and the final result turned out exactly the way we wanted.”