In the seventh episode, Bara – House Dreams, we follow Abbe and Maria, a couple with big dreams and the courage to realize them. When they bought the 100-year-old school building in Bara, just outside Malmö, they embarked on a journey filled with challenges, surprises and creativity. Here we tell you about their journey – from a run-down schoolhouse to a unique home.
Table of contents
The vision behind the project
Abbe and Maria were united in their love for creating something of their own. Inspired by the movie New York Stories and the artist’s large studio in SoHo, Abbe saw the potential in the Red School. The building, with its spacious rooms and unique character, was perfectly suited to house their shared vision: a home that combined studios, living rooms and family life.
The ground floor was designed to contain a creative room for Maria and Abbe each, while the first floor was designed as an open plan for the kitchen, living room and teenagers’ room.
Challenges along the way
As the Red School had previously served as a scout yard and meeting place, planning permission was required to convert it into a dwelling. The process took a long time and was further complicated when a neighbor appealed the decision. Despite the risk of never being able to move in, Abbe and Maria chose to continue building.
During the demolition, they discovered that the floor upstairs was both skewed and insufficiently strong. A 10-meter-long, 700-kilogram steel beam had to be installed to strengthen the structure, adding significant cost to the project. In addition, a broken sewage pipe meant that the entire sewage system had to be replaced – a cost they had not budgeted for.
Creative solutions for a sustainable budget
With a tight budget, Abbe and Maria were forced to rethink. Expensive materials and solutions had to give way to budget-friendly alternatives that still preserved the soul of the building.
- Kitchens and bathrooms: Instead of lavish fittings, they opted for simpler kitchen solutions and the cheapest tile that wasn’t white.
- Finishes: Parquet floors and tiles were laid at different levels to minimize costs, and drafty windows were sealed with sealant to save on heating.
- Own labor: Once the craftsmen were finished, Abbe and Maria took over and completed the finishes themselves, saving both time and money.
The end result: Personality and contrasts
When hosts Anne Lundberg and Gert Wingårdh visited the finished house, they were greeted by a home full of personality and bold choices. Maria had dared to go bold with strong colors, such as the purple wall in the bedroom – something Gert called a “brothel feel”, yet appreciated for its consistency.
In the living room, however, their mix of eight different shades of red drew some criticism from Gert, who argued that “good taste” meant sticking to one shade. The discussion that followed was a highlight of the episode, with Anne pointing out that taste is always subjective – an argument that eventually led Gert to admit that, after all, it’s personality that makes a home unique.
Facts about the house
Year built: 1908
Size: 320 sqm
Purchase price: SEK 3.5 million
Renovation cost: SEK 1.7 million
Estimated completion: October 2018
Closure
Abbe and Maria’s journey with the Red School shows the power of daring to dream big and finding creative solutions along the way. Their courage, perseverance and ability to adapt to unforeseen challenges are an inspiration to anyone with a dream of their own. At Stiligt, we highlight such stories to show that it is possible to create something unique and personal, whatever the circumstances.
Do you want to realize your dream house yourself? At Stiligt you will find inspiration, tips and tools to take the first step towards your dream project.
