andreas martin-löf's country retreat overlooks stockholm's archipelago

andreas martin-löf’s country retreat overlooks stockholm’s archipelago
photography © åke e:son lindman

this country retreat by swedish architect andreas martin-löf is perched at the top of a steep hillside, overlooking the stockholm archipelago below. early designs for the dwelling — named ‘aspvik house’ — revolved around finding a solution that fitted into the undulating terrain, while including all necessary functions for a retreat in the scandinavian climate.

an angled concrete retaining wall cuts through the lower storey, delineating an infinity pool

the architects identified that the sloping nature of the site allowed a two-storey house to be built without imposing too heavily on the natural landscape. the timber and steel dwelling rests on a concrete plinth with external walls angled by five degrees in a subtle reference to a lookout tower which previously occupied the plot. an angled concrete retaining wall cuts through the lower storey, delineating an infinity pool to the west, and a morning terrace which wraps around the entirety of the house.

the dwelling looks out over the treetops towards the stockholm archipelago

the lower floor includes an entrance hall, a bedroom, a bathroom and a sauna, with a staircase leading to a large room on the upper floor containing kitchen, dining and living areas. a custom-built bookshelf fits into the structural grid and provides storage while simultaneously maintaining a separation between the staircase and the dining area.

the sloping nature of the site allowed a two-storey house to be built without imposing on the natural landscape

the materials are intentionally kept raw and relatively simple with a palette of plywood walls, ‘nero marquina’ marble and polished brass details. elsewhere, a combination of carefully chosen luxury appliances and more standard products lend the scheme an intriguing visual diversity.

primary living accommodation is found at the home’s upper level

 a combination of luxury appliances and more standard products lend the scheme an intriguing diversity

plywood walls are used throughout the home

a custom-built bookshelf fits into the structural grid and provides storage

the lower floor includes the master bedroom

living space opens out onto the morning terrace

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project info:

program: residential / single-family home
architects: andreas martin löf arkitekter (andreas martin-löf, edgar mann)
collaborators: retsloff snickeri, bröderna nordquist, je:s svets & smide, kåver & mellin, metab
contractor: upp till nock
gross area: 70 sqm
completion: 2015
photography: åke e:son lindman
stylist: lotta agaton for residence magazine