Amidst the dramatic scenery of Lake Öresjön, outside Borås, stands a house that defies both gravity and traditional ideas of architecture. Anna and Patrik Johäll, together with architects from Claesson Koivisto Rune, have transformed a steep, rocky plot into the site of one of Sweden’s most unique housing projects. Inspired by the crystal pyrite, they have created a floating cube of glass and galvanized sheet metal, a vision that required both technical courage and financial perseverance. This is what we see in episode 5, Borås – Grand Designs Sweden.
Table of contents
The vision behind the project
Anna and Patrik are entrepreneurs who dare to dream big. With nine companies behind them and a strong passion for creating something unique, they decided to build a summer house that would be more than just a vacation home – an architectural symbol of innovation and beauty. Inspired by the metallic cube shapes of pyrite, they wanted to create a house that floats above the steep slope of Lake Öres, a building that blends in with nature but stands out at the same time.
The architects were given a free hand to realize the vision, resulting in a concept that challenges both building technology and human imagination.
Challenges in construction
Building on a plot of land that slopes steeply down to the waters of Lake Öresjön was far from easy. The ground consisted of pebble ridge and moraine, which meant that the desired bedrock was missing. This forced a new foundation solution where the house is balanced on a cast concrete slab, wedged into the slope.
Working on the foundations was one of the biggest challenges of the project. Each form board and rebar needed to be placed with millimeter precision to create the sharply cut geometry of the underside of the slab – also known as the ‘fifth façade’. The work required months of preparation and a cost that exceeded all expectations.
The unique design of the building
The house is designed as a cube, turned 45 degrees to the shoreline, with windows that capture the beauty of nature from all angles. In the center of the house is a smaller cube that houses the kitchen, bathroom and storage, while also delineating the different rooms. On top of the main cube is a roof terrace with an outdoor kitchen, perfect for social gatherings.
In addition to the main building, three smaller buildings are planned in the same cube shape: a guest house, a sauna and a parking deck. Together they create an ensemble of architectural “pyrites” that seem to have grown out of the Västergötland landscape.
Results and reflections
When completed, the building was described as an artistic and engineering masterpiece. TV presenter Mark Isitt called it ‘the best concrete casting outside Japan’. Despite the modest living space, the house feels airy and well-planned, with nature as part of the interior.
Anna and Patrik themselves reflect on the high price and the many compromises that were required along the way. But despite more than doubling the budget, they feel the project was worth it. “It’s not just a house – it’s a life project,” says Patrik.
Facts about the house
Developers: Anna and Patrik Johäll
Location: By Lake Öresjön, Borås
Architects: Mårten Claesson, Eero Koivisto, Ola Rune
Living space: 65 sqm (excl. complementary buildings)
Facade: Glass and galvanized sheet metal
Foundation: Cast concrete with geometric pattern
Budget: Planned 5 million, final cost 12-14 million SEK
Construction start: June 2021
Closure
Anna and Patrick’s project is a reminder that big dreams require both courage and perseverance. It is a home that challenges our ideas of what is possible and inspires new thinking. For us at Stiligt, this house represents the essence of design: creating something beautiful and functional, despite all obstacles. We hope their story motivates more people to dare to think outside the box when realizing their own house dreams.
