Johan Sundberg’s vision of nature-integrated living
Nestled within the undulating pine-covered hills of Yngsjö, near the Baltic Sea, stands an architectural retreat designed by Johan Sundberg. Crafted as a summer home for a family of four, the dwelling embraces its natural surroundings, where unmanicured forests replace traditional gardens, allowing the structure to merge effortlessly with the landscape.
The house is designed as a singular north-south oriented volume, with a recessed central section facing west. This thoughtful indentation forms a sheltered terrace, inviting residents to bask in the warmth of the evening sun. The southern part of the home, encompassing the entrance, kitchen, and communal spaces, seamlessly integrates with the terrain, fostering a fluid transition between indoors and the untouched natural surroundings.
In contrast, the northern section, dedicated to private quarters, hovers above the ground on slender pillars. This elevation not only enhances privacy but also establishes an intimate connection with the treetops through expansive bedroom windows, offering an immersive experience of the surrounding forest.
Materiality plays a fundamental role in the house’s harmonious presence within the landscape. The exterior is clad in larch panels, punctuated by vertical pilasters that create a rhythmic, refined aesthetic. The floating section’s underside is enveloped in triple-layered larch panels, ensuring visual continuity and cohesion.
Inside, the material palette exudes warmth and tranquility. Oak floors ground the spaces, while matching trimmings, doors, and bespoke carpentry add to the home’s tactile richness. Above, the interior ceiling extends outward in a seamless larch surface, not only reinforcing the architectural unity but also contributing to the home’s serene ambiance through its sound-absorbing properties.
Through careful spatial planning and material selection, Johan Sundberg’s design achieves a delicate balance between architectural precision and the organic fluidity of nature. The house does not impose upon its environment but rather coexists within it, offering its inhabitants a retreat that is both modern and deeply connected to the land.
Photography by Markus Linderoth, courtesy of Johan Sundberg
