In summer, the Stockholm Archipelago is nothing short of idyllic. The area is comprised of over 30,000 islands with a widely varied landscape of sea, greenery, cliffs, and towns. Fishing villages and coastal towns mingle with camping and hiking areas, all set against the stunningly clear sea. Summerhouse Lagnö is set against this unique scenery, adding its minimal form to the classic Swedish panorama.
Summerhouse Lagnö looks quite different from the many light wooden cabins that dot the landscape. The home draws inspiration from the landscape but doesn’t try to blend into it. The muted grey of the exterior is based on the colour of the granite bedrock exposed throughout the islands. The residence is designed by Tham & Videgård, a Stockholm-based architecture firm committed to architectural integrity, function, and innovation.
The colour of the exterior is not the only piece of the home inspired by the existing. The structure is very much rooted in architectural history. The A-frame is a traditional residential form used for hundreds of years for its practicality of repelling snow and rain from the roof; it is prevalent in snowy climates like Sweden’s. In Summerhouse Lagnö, several gabled roofs are stitched together, a design that allows for varied interior ceiling heights and skylights to admit light into the deeper rooms of the home. Summerhouse Lagnö is thus rooted in both the natural landscape and architectural history.
The interior is more of what you would expect from Swedish design. White walls and light wood comprise most of the materials, and functional built-in storage units abound. Floor to ceiling windows floods the interior with natural light and views of the surrounding nature. Many of the openings in the facade are exposed to the elements, allowing for indoor-outdoor living space, which must be endlessly appealing in the mild summer months.
One of the most elegant moments in the design is the glass-covered terrace. Nestled between two buildings of the main house, the terrace provides a protected outdoor space to linger all year long. The elegant roof blends with the lines of the home, creating an uninterrupted architectural movement. Summerhouse Lagnö is traditional and modern, a design that is an instant treasured moment on the Stockholm Archipelago.