Directory

Evolum is a glass-cutting design studio run by Jukka Isotalo in Helsinki. Since the late 1980s, Jukka has explored the environmental side of design and art. His crockery, lamps and sculptures are made from recycled glass bottles, reducing energy and use of resources while giving each piece a new life. At Nolla, our water glasses are his design — upcycled from old beer and soda bottles, with the transformation subtle enough that you only notice if you look closely.

Freemont Foliage is a small-scale microgreen farm based in Helsinki, run by Miles Freemont Alexander. Founded in 2023, the project grew out of Miles’ long-standing interest in permaculture and a desire to grow food right in the city. The microgreens are grown vertically under LED lights using organic soil, which is composted after use. Today, Miles supplies restaurants directly and reuses all plastic packaging for deliveries, keeping the system simple and circular.

Helsieni grows oyster mushrooms using only local materials, like spent coffee grounds collected from nearby cafes. After harvest, the growing medium is reused or composted back into the soil. Based in Karjaa, they also run workshops, offer advice for mushroom growers, and make home kits so anyone can try growing mushrooms themselves.

Iran Tila is a regenerative micro-farm in Kirkkonummi, run by Ira Wichmann. On a small plot of land, Ira grows over 150 varieties of vegetables and flowers, focusing on open-pollinated heirloom varieties and high biodiversity. Ira uses natural farming methods combining traditional techniques with current research into soil life and plant-microbe relationships. Her collaboration with Nolla is rooted in a shared approach responsibility and a firm belief in the idea that flavour starts in the soil. Both are dedicated to reducing waste from field to kitchen, while exploring how every part of a plant can be put to use.

Kaarlejoki grows root vegetables and other crops using methods that build soil health. They supply private customers, co-ops, wholesale buyers, and restaurants, while also producing grains, legumes, and fodder for a neighbouring organic dairy farm. In return, they receive composted manure, keeping nutrients cycling through their land. Kaarlejoki also collaborates with other small-scale and organic farms, helping to distribute their products and strengthen the local food network.

Kaiholan Puutarha in Orivesi is run by Pia Kärki and Glenn Eloranta on land that once belonged to Glenn’s grandfather. They grow a wide range of herbs, edible flowers, berries, and vegetables, and also manage gardens for others. The couple likes to experiment with unusual varieties, from Thai cucumbers to Huacatay and golden garlic flowers. All production is done without tractors, single-use plastics, or chemicals, using natural methods and ecosystem services to support healthy soil.

Liisa Tuulikki is a painter, designer, and digital artist based between Helsinki and Paris. Her playful practice spans painting and ceramics, drawing inspiration from pop culture, anime, and video games. She was one of the first ceramists we worked with at Nolla, creating plates and bowls for our kitchen. Her signature pieces include collectible art toys like the Tuulikki bunny and BUNBUN, and her work can be found in hotels and restaurants across the city.

Majvik is a biodynamic farm and farm shop in eastern Sipoo, run by Atte Hermansson. The farm focuses on grains including oat, spelt, wheat as well as root vegetables like celeriac, black salsify, parsnip, and a variety of beets, alongside organic eggs. Of its 60 hectares, 20 are farmable, and half of that is grazed by a small herd of Eastern Finnish cattle, which help fertilise the land naturally. Majvik is also a space for learning and community: students, seasonal workers, and volunteers all take part in the growing and harvest season. “I like the idea of a farm in the social sphere – it’s supposed to be for people,” says Atte.

Noora Karila is a Helsinki-based designer and artist who makes functional ceramic tableware. Her handmade pieces are a celebration of the natural and organic properties of clay, whenever possible making use of Finnish wild clay and colouring oxides. Minimalistic designs and expressive textures are united through both traditional and more experimental techniques. A deliberately slow manufacturing process means Noora carefully considers what gets fired, as well as how to recycle and repurpose leftover clay to minimise waste.