Nestled in the thick of Sweden’s forested landscape, this contemporary home design was designed with natural materials in mind for a private client in a rural east area of Stockholm.
The two year long project began in 2014 with a design of Villa Wennerstöm by Max Holst Arkitektkontor, which was brought to completion in 2016. Natural materials, glazed windows and simple geometries bring out the best balance between the modern house and the organic landscape surrounding it.
The dynamic topography of the site includes visible granite rocks and endless forest views, mainly oak and pine trees. The architects decided to divide the home into two main volumes with a repetitive pattern on both facades in order to blend the design into the surroundings while simultaneously creating a stark contrast to the organic landscape.
The home’s dark wood exterior is lightened up by double height windows which, in addition to inviting plenty of natural light to flood in throughout daytime, look over the stunning lush landscape.
The interiors are made up of a mix between wood cladding, lighter wood for the ceiling beams and clean white walls. This combination of a lighter color palette softens the darker parts of the home, including the dark wood and details such as the sleek black staircase leading to the first floor from the home’s entrance.
The first and main volume of the home accommodates public and entertainment spaces including the kitchen, dining and socializing areas. The second volume of Villa Wennerström is reached by a corridor and accommodates more private rooms for media, work and sleep.
“Our ambition was to create a building with a clear architectonic shape and structure that would follow the conditions set by context and as much as possible blend into the surroundings but at the same time create a contrast to the organic landscape,” the architect explains.
Double height ceilings add to the dramatic effect in the dining space. The style of soaring ceilings is chic, functional, and draws extra attention to the central part of the house for social gatherings while enjoying Stockholm’s breathtaking natural landscapes.
