In the sixth episode, Fyledalen – Husdrömmar 2023, we follow Mea and Bruno, a creative couple who leave the Copenhagen squirrel wheel to build their dream home on Bruno’s mother’s farm in Fyledalen, Skåne. Their vision? A small, sustainable house built with recycled materials and no mortgage. A life where time, freedom and family life come before consumption and financial stress.
Table of contents
A Dream of Freedom and Sustainability
Mea and Bruno, both trained fashion designers, swapped city life in Copenhagen for a self-sufficient existence in the countryside. They wanted to create a place where every square meter is carefully planned and where the building materials have a history. By building small and using recycled materials, they have managed to combine economic freedom with a minimal carbon footprint.
The house is not just a building, but a manifestation of their life philosophy: to live more simply, sustainably and closer to nature.
Location and Construction Process
The house is built on an old manure pile behind one of the farm’s barns. A location that architect Gert Wingårdh questioned due to the lack of direct sunlight, but which Mea and Bruno defended with their focus on sustainability and reuse.
The building process has been characterized by joy, patience and a practical approach. Despite lacking previous construction experience, they have managed to erect the house from scratch with their own hands. From anchoring rebar to the slab, to building floor joists and erecting frames, every step has been part of their shared journey.
Japanese Inspiration in Skåne
Mea and Bruno have drawn a lot of inspiration from Japanese architecture, where every square meter is optimally used and functionality goes hand in hand with aesthetics. The children’s sleeping loft, the open kitchen and the built-in furniture are clear examples of this.
The choice of colors and materials has also been influenced by Japanese simplicity – natural materials, muted colors and a harmony between inside and outside.
Intergenerational Living - A Sustainable Lifestyle
Living close to family has proved to be a great asset for Mea and Bruno. Grandma Katarina has not only been a babysitter and advisor, but also an important part of the house project. Intergenerational living has created a sense of security and community, with both practical and emotional help close at hand.
Grandma Katarina describes it as getting another chance to experience the toddler years, this time with more patience and perspective.
Challenges and Creative Solutions
Building a house with a limited budget and no previous experience is no easy task. Mea and Bruno have faced several challenges, but have met them with creativity and flexibility.
- Material choice: The war in Ukraine forced them to forgo Siberian larch for the facade, opting instead for a classic red spruce panel, which now blends in nicely with the farm environment.
- The floor: A used floor advertised as oak turned out to be mahogany. Rather than give up, they matched the color to the shade of the floor.
- Insulation: They have used grass insulation from Holland, an innovative material that is both durable and functional.
Facts about the house
Outer dimensions: 50 sqm
Living space: 40 sqm + sleeping loft
Budget: SEK 500,000 (outcome: SEK 550,000)
Construction start: April 2022
Estimated occupancy: April 2023
Materials: Wooden frame, recycled building material
Heating: Stove and possibly air / air heat pump
Closure
Mea and Bruno have shown that it is possible to build a home with your own hands, without a loan and with minimal environmental impact. Their small house in the Fyledalen valley is not just a place to live, but an expression of their values and dreams.
Although the house was not completely finished, they are proud of what they have achieved. They have managed to create a home that is functional, beautiful and full of personality. It is a house that tells a story – of courage, creativity and a willingness to live on their own terms.
