The eleventh season of Husdrömmar 2024 kicks off with fond revisits to former participants who have now completed their building projects. Hosts Gert Wingårdh and Anne Lundberg visit five different houses and their owners to see how dreams became reality. In this blog post, we dive into the episode’s highlights, lessons learned and technical insights.
Table of contents
Erik and Laura - Europe's northernmost straw bale house
Europe’s northernmost straw bale house stands in Kassjö, Västerbotten – a circular architectural masterpiece characterized by sustainability and innovative solutions. Erik and Laura built their dream house with straw bales and clay, overcoming cold winters and bureaucratic obstacles to realize their vision.
With smart solutions like thermite ventilation, where air is preheated through pipes buried two meters underground, and a wood-burning stove in the guesthouse, they have created a self-sufficient and energy-efficient home. It is warm, functional and above all – their very own paradise.
Mia and Bruno - A home on the manure pad
In Skåne, Sweden, Mia and Bruno chose to build their home on an old manure pile. With a budget of SEK 500,000 and a clear vision, they created a charming and personal house with a focus on recycling and craftsmanship.
Bespoke furniture, a spiral staircase in bent oak and carefully selected materials tell the story of a house where every detail carries a thought. Although the budget was slightly exceeded, the final cost was a modest SEK 560 000.
Johannes and Åsa - Revenge of the Gabion Walls
When Johannes and Åsa built their plus-energy house in the first season of Husdrömmar, it was a groundbreaking project. Family and friends helped with the iconic gabion walls – large baskets filled with stone.
But now Johannes reveals that he had to rebuild the walls himself to get them perfect. Today, the couple dreams of a new building project on the Scanian plains.
Sylvia and Johan - Recycling and self-sufficiency in Naturhuset
In Lerum, Sylvia and Johan have created a Nature House where recycling is at the heart of the entire construction project. The wastewater is led down into plant beds in the house’s greenhouse and converted into nutrients for tomatoes and other plants.
The house is not only self-sufficient in many ways, but also a symbol of preparedness and sustainability. Rainwater is collected in tanks, and with good storage, the family can survive for a long time even if society comes to a standstill.
Jon and Jenny - Energy and commitment by the water
In Häcken, Västergötland, Jon and Jenny have built their dream house by the water. Despite setbacks during construction, including a carpentry company going bankrupt, an impressive home is now complete.
With an American-style porch, beautiful stonework, and a large outdoor kitchen created for celebration and community, the couple has transformed their plot into a place filled with life and energy.
Even after moving in, the project excitement continues. New ideas are emerging, and it’s clear that Jon and Jenny will never stop dreaming.
Closure
This year’s revisit to House Dreams clearly shows that a dream house is never quite finished. For some, the journey is the destination, for others it is the end result that brings the greatest reward.
What all these projects have in common is passion, creativity and the courage to think differently. These stories remind us that sustainable, personalized and thoughtful homes are not only possible – they are the future of building and living.
Inspired by these projects? At Stiligt, we share the passion for sustainable solutions and thoughtful design. Let’s create your dream home together!
