Building on an island

A black archipelago house of 130 square metres on Husarö in the Stockholm archipelago was Sommarnöjen’s very first project.

Since then, we have built holiday homes on islands along the entire Swedish coast, on car-free islands, in the outer archipelago and in locations with no permanent connection – where materials are transported by water, where lifts are planned in detail and where precision is a must.

Building on an island is not an exception in our business. It is very much in our wheelhouse.

A method that works across water

A significant proportion of our projects involve islands. The difference lies not in the architecture, but in the delivery.

Our houses are manufactured to completion indoors in our factory and delivered in complete volumes. This is the basis for being able to build holiday homes on islands with fixed parameters even where there are no roads.

Instead of shipping building materials in batches over the water, we deliver finished buildings by workboat or barge. On islands with roads, they are then transported by truck. On roadless islands, they are lifted directly from the boat onto the prepared foundations.

The size of the volumes is adapted to the conditions of the location. We can lift up to around 60 metres from the boat. In more complex locations, the delivery is split and lifted in stages, enabling greater distances.

Time on site is measured in days, not months.

Site survey and financial security

Every project is preceded by a thorough site survey. Water depth, mooring, lifting distance, crane requirements and site access are analysed before the project proceeds.

The quote is based on a calculated sea transport cost for the specific project. The site survey is followed by confirmation that the delivery can be carried out within the stated parameters.

If the conditions change such that the transport would require greater work than calculated, you have the right to withdraw from the agreement without any financial penalty.

This reduces your exposure to risk.

We work with established carriers and local resources along the entire Swedish coast. In locations where we haven’t built before, we establish suitable partnerships well in advance.

Cost with no surprises

Building on an island is more logistically demanding – but not necessarily hugely more expensive.

The production cost is not affected by the location, as the house is fully built in the factory. The extra factors are the sea transport, and in some cases adaptation to smaller volumes.

However, our process avoids lengthy on-site construction, repeated material deliveries and weather-related delays.

Giving a more predictable overall cost.

Complete Service on an island

Private wells, desalination plants and private sewage systems are common on islands. Shoreline protection issues and jetties require experience.

We can take full responsibility for the entire project – including applications and permits, procurement and coordination of groundwork for the house and other work on the plot.

You choose the level of responsibility, but the structure of the project is the same.

Built for remoteness

Services are not easily accessible on an island, so the house has to work over time.

We build to solid dimensions with proven construction methods and Nordic materials. The bespoke interior fittings are made of solid wood. Everything is chosen to be maintained and renovated, not replaced.

For us, it is never about luxury. It is about reliable functionality.

Architecture adapted to an island setting

Building on an island requires special consideration. In sensitive environments, every decision matters – from the positioning of the house in the terrain to how it hits the horizon.

We create timeless houses with materials that age well, transcending passing trends. In heritage environments, we choose classic styles that work in harmony with existing buildings. When the location allows, the character can be more contemporary, but always understated.

It is about exercising careful judgement. A house that is right for its location will last and last – and is better placed when it comes to shoreline protection exemptions and other permissions.

A secure process, even this far from the mainland

Building on an island should not bring greater uncertainty. You receive a fixed price for what is included, a clear delivery time before the agreement is signed and an agreement conditional on transport conditions and obtaining the necessary permits. Throughout the project you have a single point of contact with us.

Your house is manufactured to completion indoors and delivered in complete volumes, with all the interior fittings already in place. On-site assembly takes place over just a few days, which minimises the impact on the sensitive natural environment and limits the number of deliveries to the island.

You can choose to coordinate parts of the project yourself, or let us take full responsibility for the entire delivery. In that case, we will handle applications, procurement and coordination – and you can move into a finished house without having to manage the project.

Building in sensitive environments always comes with responsibilities. For us, sustainability is not an add-on, but an integral part of how we plan, produce, deliver and position every house – with respect for the climate and for the local nature.