Realizing a dream house requires both courage and creativity. In Skåne – Husdrömmar, Johan and Bettan have taken these ingredients to the next level by building a traditional stone house inside a large greenhouse. It is a pioneering project that combines sustainability, architectural innovation and the presence of nature in everyday life. This unique solution creates not only a comfortable home, but also a year-round garden and a microclimate that changes the way we think about living.
Table of contents
The dream of a house in a greenhouse
The idea of building a house in a greenhouse was born out of Johan and Bettan’s love for their conservatory in their previous home. Light, warmth and the possibility to enjoy the greenery well into the fall inspired them to create something bigger. Why settle for a conservatory when the whole house can be surrounded by glass and greenery?
The vision was clear: a stone house that offers security and comfort, framed by a protective greenhouse that creates a unique microclimate and extends the gardening season. The result is a harmonious interplay between indoor and outdoor environments, where nature becomes an integral part of everyday life.
Design and architecture
With Johan’s background in architecture and the help of an old classmate as an architect, a house was created that balances function and aesthetics. The heart of the 150 m² stone house is an atrium that connects the different rooms and lets in light from all directions. The large glass panels open onto the garden inside the greenhouse, blurring the line between inside and outside.
The placement of the house in the greenhouse is carefully planned to maximize light and contact with greenery. From the kitchen and living room, the view opens up to the inner garden, creating a sense of freedom and closeness to nature all year round.
The greenhouse, which consists of 900 panes of glass and was imported from Belgium, acts as a protective barrier against the elements. The flat roof of the residential building would have been a challenge in a traditional construction, but inside the greenhouse no gutters or slopes are required – an innovative solution that both simplifies and improves.
Challenges and solutions during the construction process
Despite the clear vision, the project faced several challenges. Finding the right supplier for the greenhouse was a bigger ordeal than Johan and Bettan expected. Swedish suppliers were reluctant to take on such an unusual project, leading them to turn to Belgium. The glass panels also turned out to be significantly more expensive than planned, blowing the budget from SEK 6 to 7 million.
Another key lesson was the importance of being present and engaged as the client. Johan initially planned to leave the construction entirely to the craftsmen, but quickly realized, following Gert Wingårdh’s advice, that his presence was crucial to ensure that the vision was realized. By interpreting drawings and making decisions on site, he was able to avoid misunderstandings and ensure that details were as intended.
Facts about the house
Location: Skurup, Skåne
Living space: 150 m² (3 rooms and kitchen)
Greenhouse size: 420 m²
Start of construction: April 2015
Budget: Planned 6 million SEK, final cost 7 million SEK
Closure
Johan and Bettan’s unique project is more than just a house – it’s a vision of how we can live in harmony with nature. Their stone house inside a greenhouse inspires people to think outside the box and shows how innovative solutions can create both comfort and sustainability.
