Our History
The longing for nature
Kirsi Ihalainen begins her journey as a sound artist in Helsinki. Moving to the busy city intensifies her connection to the forest, a place she explored as a child with her father. She decides that nature must be brought to people in cities, especially to those who cannot reach it themselves.
Recording the voice of nature
Kirsi starts recording soundscapes, animal calls, and birdsong. Over more than a decade she collects sounds across Finland, often in challenging conditions and close to wild animals.
From art to Kelosound
Her first installations bring the forest indoors. From these works emerges Kelosound — a resonating deadwood that plays nature sounds. Pressing your ear against it lets the sound travel through your bones, transporting you into nature.
Sauna becomes an instrument
Inspired by her carpenter father’s sauna-building and her own creative connection to saunas, Kirsi develops Saunasound. The walls and benches vibrate as nature roars inside, even the growl of bears.
A forest indoors
Commissioned by Haltia Nature Centre, Kirsi creates an immersive space with floor-to-ceiling kelos, soft stones, and sound resonating through walls, floors, and ceilings.
The birth of TUNTU
This multi-channel concept evolves into TUNTU sensory spaces. In Finnish, tuntu means both experience and the feeling of sound. The first TUNTU spaces are made for an elderly care home, a school for children with special needs, and a hospital for mental health patients. They prove to reduce stress, support focus, and promote well-being.
Today and beyond
TUNTU now designs spaces worldwide, combining sound, light, moving visuals, design, and interior architecture to create dreamlike environments where only imagination sets the limit.
It feels right, and that’s how we know we are on the right path.
