I visited the Housing Fair 2011 in Kokkola. It was moderately interesting, although architecturally not as fancy or diverse as the one held in Vaasa a couple of years ago. Home automation (computer-based remote control and monitoring of lights, HVAC, locks, burglar alarms, cameras, etc.) seems to be a thing that’s slowly gaining ground in Finland.
As usual, the interiors of the houses were furnished and decorated by interior design professionals and various sponsors so they look like those “perfect homes” you see in magazines. There are numerous companies showing their products (tiles, flooring, home automation systems, HVAC, AV electronics, LED lighting etc.) in the area, often with an information booth in the garage of one of one of the building projects they’ve been involved with.
The fair will close on August 14th. A single day will suffice for seeing it all if you enter the area when the gates open and leave when they’re closing for the night.