When one house isn't enough
Right by the promenade in Rammsjöstrand Anna and Jan found a plot with a lovely view over the fjord, the fishing huts and the lighthouse. But what do you do when you want to enjoy the view while also protecting yourself from prying eyes?
Anna and Jan have spent many summers in the family's summer house on Bjärehalvön but longed for something of their own. When they finally found the plot above the 19th-century fishing harbour the choice was easy. The old 1960s house was demolished in favour of a new one. Or, to be exact, of three new house volumes.rn– We read an article about Sommarnöjen and felt that the houses had exactly the style we had been searching for. We have long lived in an architect-designed villa with large window sections and knew we wanted just that, says Jan.rnAfter an initial conversation a Sommarnöjen representative and an architect went out to Bjärehalvön to experience the plot on site. Apart from the obvious – with uninterrupted window sections facing the sea and the sunset – the wish was that the house would create a protected environment for the couple and their adult children with partners and dogs.
– The architect took our ideas and came back with a proposal in which she had refined them, says Jan.
The solution was not one house, but two.
The main house volume of 100 sqm is social, screens the house from the street and looks out towards the sea. The private volume of 50 sqm screens the house from the neighbours. The two house volumes are tied together by a welcoming glass entrance from which both parts of the house open up.rnThe advantage of building several volumes together is that functions can be separated and placed where they fit best. One part of the house can maximize the view while the other can close in and provide screening. The shared part of Anna and Jan's house is pure and open since it does not need to be cluttered with personal items, while their private spaces are more intimately designed so that each couple can put their own stamp on it.
– "A deck can never be too big," people often say, and that's really true! Our terrace is enormous and connects the houses and the angle between the houses creates a courtyard-like feeling. We also chose to extend the roof on one of the house volumes to create a sheltered spot in the evening sun. From the deck we can see Kullens fyr light up in the evening.rnThe goal was to celebrate Midsummer in the house, and the day before Midsummer's Eve the couple received access.rn– This whole idea of delivering finished houses in modules is really smart!rnThey have now had two years to enjoy the house and the view over the fishing huts, the bay's blue water and Kullahalvön on the other side.
