THAM & VIDEGÅRD ARKITEKTER

The site is a promontory on the relatively small island of Krokholmen in Stockholm's

outer archipelago: a typical archipelago landscape with windswept dwarf pines and soft

mountain outcrops produced by the inland ice. The plot benefits from open views, in the

east all the way out to the lighthouse Almagrundet in the open sea, and it is at times

exposed to strong winds. The family wanted a maintenance-free vacation home in one

level with social space both inside and outside.

We proposed a two-part plan. Through a central wall holding the fireplace, a narrow

opening gives access to bedrooms, bath and storage, that are oriented to the forest in the

west. The large family room with kitchen and entrance could thus face out towards the

sea with daylight and view in three directions. A screen of wood and glass runs around

the house and unite interior and exterior spaces on a base of in-situ cast concrete. The

living room opens up through large sliding doors onto three terraces, one of which is

sheltered from the winds and facing south and one is completely open to the water to

the east. The building section with a unifying arcuate roof creates the spatial quality of

the interior but also defines the entire character of the building. The horizontal openess

of the main space out towards the sea is balanced by its verticality, an internal ridge

height of 6 meters (18 feet).

The tent-like room and silhouette of the house connects to the idea of the least

complicated way to spend time in nature, but it is also inspired by the older Swedish

pavilion- and gazebo architecture, light buildings carefully placed in the landscape. The

results often have a flavour of easy going summer life, yet sometimes surprisingly grand

in their expression.

Construction and finishes are made entirely of wood with the exception of a steel girder

distributing loads above the main facade. Curved glulam beams rest on the low gable

facades and meet along a ridge roof beam. Facade panels and trellis screens are made of

cedar wood. Roof and exterior metal details are of zinc. Interior wall panels and

carpentry are made of ash wood.

source: Tham & Videgård Arkitekter