For many people, building their dream home is one of life’s greatest and most exciting challenges. But what happens when the dream turns into a nightmare and everything you’ve built is lost? In the episode, Furuby – House Dreams, the Nilsson family experienced just that. Through courage, determination and a strong will, they have managed to rise from the ashes and create a new home – Villa Furuby. This story is an inspiring example of how to turn life’s most difficult moments into a chance to build something even better.
Table of contents
A Nightmare Becomes Reality
On January 27, 2014, the Nilsson family’s life changed drastically when their house burned to the ground. Furniture, clothes and priceless memories went up in smoke. Fortunately, no one was injured in the fire, but the grief over the loss of their home and the family cat was heavy to bear. The sudden disaster put the family in an involuntary situation where they had to make big decisions about their future quickly.
Despite options from the insurance company, they chose to rebuild their home on the same site in Furuby. This decision was based on their strong attachment to the place and the security it offered the family’s children.
The Journey to Reconstruction
Rebuilding a home from the ground up is no easy task, especially when it happens in the shadow of a tragedy. For Björn and Aleet Nilsson, the process was a balancing act between grief and hope. Where Björn was quick to look ahead and see the possibilities of a new home, Aleet found comfort in remembering the old house.
With the help of the insurance company and builders, they were able to plan their new home. The insurance conditions required the house to be similar to the previous one, but also allowed for improvements. They chose to replace the old turf foundation with a cast slab, which allowed for underfloor heating throughout the house – a modern and practical solution that increased both comfort and energy efficiency.
The New House
Villa Furuby is more than just a house. It is a symbol of reconstruction, strength and hope for the future. The house is built in loose timber with white horizontal paneling and a stylish pitched roof, which replaced the previous hipped roof. The total living space has been increased to 168 m², thanks to the conversion of the terrace and garage into living space.
The new house has a modern open-plan design, with the kitchen, dining room and living room linked by an impressive ridge ceiling that reaches up to four meters in height. The bedrooms are placed in a row, creating a natural flow in the home.
Villa Furuby is heated by an exhaust air heat pump, which is both environmentally friendly and energy efficient.
Challenges and lessons learned
The road from disaster to dream home was fraught with challenges. The process of restoring their possessions for insurance purposes was particularly stressful, as the family had to remember and account for everything they owned. The psychological strain was great, but the family’s strength lay in their ability to support each other.
A key lesson from their journey is the importance of documentation. Keeping receipts, warranties and pictures of your home and possessions can be crucial in the event of an unexpected disaster.
The family also realized the importance of creating a home that not only rebuilt the old but improved it. Through smart material choices and practical solutions, they managed to create a home that is both beautiful and functional.
Facts about the house
Location: Furuby, Växjö
Living area: 168 m²
Year of construction: 2014
Construction method: Loose timber with horizontal panels
Foundation: Cast slab
Closure
The Nilsson family’s journey is a poignant example of how adversity can be turned into opportunity. From losing everything to creating a home that not only reflects their former life but also enhances it, they show incredible strength and determination.
