For many people, building their dream home is a journey filled with big dreams, tough decisions and unexpected challenges. In this episode, Mälaren – House Dreams, we follow Ahmed and Eva, who transformed a sloping plot of land on the shores of Lake Mälaren into an impressive Mediterranean-style stone house. Their story, filled with innovation, budget problems and compromises, gives us an insight into what it takes to make a dream come true – and what you can learn along the way.
Table of contents
The background: from dream to action
Ahmed and Eva had long dreamed of a home where they could settle down after many years of moving. When they came across a sloping plot of land on the shores of Lake Mälaren in Vårby, they plucked up the courage to contact the owner. The result? A no-haggle sale for SEK 5.6 million. With the plot in their possession, they began the journey towards creating a unique home.
With Ahmed’s background as a civil engineer and Eva’s vision of a beautiful and functional home, the couple started planning a 355 sqm three-storey stone house. Ahmed’s passion for engineering and robust construction was combined with Eva’s desire for a modern and stylish design.
House design and construction
The house is an impressive three-storey building:
- The entrance level offers an open floor plan with kitchen and living room, as well as a bedroom and bathroom.
- The upper floor houses a living room, two bedrooms and two bathrooms, perfect for family life and relaxation.
- The ground floor is still a flexible space that can be used as needed.
The building rests on a strong reinforced concrete structure, a solution that ensures durability and stability. Ahmed proudly points out that the building can easily stand for over 150 years.
In addition to the house itself, the plot includes a jetty on Lake Mälaren, where there are plans to build a sauna and moorings – a detail reminiscent of the Mediterranean coast.
Challenges and budget gaps
As with many construction projects, Ahmed and Eva faced several challenges that extended the schedule and broke the budget. For example, the windows were ordered to be too large, which required creative solutions such as mounting them outside the façade. In addition, Ahmed wanted to integrate advanced technology, resulting in a smart home where everything from lighting to heating can be controlled by mobile.
The budget of SEK 10.4 million turned out to be far too tight. The final bill came to a whopping SEK 13 million. To cope with the increased costs and bank interest, they had to borrow money from family and friends, as well as furnish the basement as a rental apartment to generate extra income.
The finished home
Despite all the challenges, the house is now complete – a unique home that combines robustness with modern elegance. The white plastered façade and touches of black give the house a sophisticated look, while the white marble floors evoke the light and airy feel of the Mediterranean.
Inside, the house is filled with technological solutions and luxurious materials. The steps light up when you walk on them, and the whole house breathes innovation and quality. Although it has been a long and demanding journey, Ahmed and Eva have finally found their dream home.
Facts about the house
Location: Vårby, on the shores of Lake Mälaren
Plot: Sloping with lake view
Living area: 355 sqm
Construction year: Start 2017, finished 2018
Construction cost: Budgeted 10.4 million SEK, final cost 13 million SEK
Special features: Reinforced concrete, smart home solutions, jetty with sauna and moorings
Closure
Mikael and Emelie’s project is an example of how vision and commitment can transform a challenging plot of land into a unique home. By choosing innovative materials and daring to try new building techniques, they have created a home that inspires and impresses. For those who dream of building new, their story offers both insights and motivation to think outside the box.
At Stiligt, we see similar projects as an opportunity to show how design and craftsmanship can go hand in hand to create dream homes. Are you ready to take the first step towards your dream home? Get inspired and contact us for ideas and guidance.
