In the seventh episode, Klädesholmen – Husdrömmar, we follow the journey of Håkan and Maria Wersäll as they transform an old cannery into a unique and timeless home. Combining traditional craftsmanship with modern building techniques, they have created a house that both reflects their vision and celebrates the rich history of the site.
Table of contents
The story behind the project
Klädesholmen, once the heart of Sweden’s herring canning industry, is now an exclusive summer paradise. Håkan and Maria, both with roots in Bohuslän, fell in love with an old canning factory that had been abandoned for years. With a budget of around SEK 23 million and a clear vision, they began their journey to build a home that honors both the history of the place and their personal dreams.
The construction process - A combination of tradition and innovation
Building on Klädesholmen is no easy task. With narrow roads, limited space and weather conditions that can change quickly, every step of the construction process has required careful planning and skill.
The northern body of the house is built with an impressive post-and-beam construction, a technique used for centuries. Here, each beam was carefully selected, including the massive ‘Atlas’ post, which was transported all the way from Dalarna.
The southern body of the building was instead built using cross-laminated timber (CLT), a method that offers stability and efficiency in more compact spaces.
The architecture and choice of materials
With architect John Helmfridsson at the helm, the house has been shaped to both blend into its environment and stand out with its quality and attention to detail. Roof tiles from the original factory were reused and supplemented with new ones from the same manufacturer. Inside the house, natural materials such as limestone from Kinnekulle and solid wood dominate.
The most iconic feature, however, is the sturdy postwork at the north end of the house. Every detail, from the wooden dowels to the large posts, tells a story of craftsmanship and passion.
Logistical challenges and solutions
Building on an island with limited space has placed great demands on logistics. From transporting giant slabs of limestone to installing windows with millimeter precision in narrow passages, each step required meticulous planning and collaboration between craftsmen, project managers and suppliers.
Interior and design with soul
Interior designer Ida Toll has played a central role in shaping the house’s interior. Using recycled materials and antique finds, such as old industrial gazebos and custom-made limestone kitchen counters, she has created a home with soul and history.
The kitchen, called “Gillehallen,” serves as the heart of the house and is a place where family and friends can gather under the impressive wooden beams.
The secret garden
In the middle of the densely built environment of Klädesholmen, Maria has created a secret garden with the help of garden engineer Lisa Carlsson Marx. Despite the northern exposure and salt spray, they have managed to create a green oasis with Asian plants and a magnolia as an eye-catcher.
A huge five-meter window has been fitted to provide a dramatic view of this small garden, creating a sense of calm and privacy.
Facts about the house
Living space: 300 sqm
Price plot: 8.4 million SEK
Budget: SEK 23 million (including land)
Planned occupancy: Christmas 2022
Actual move-in: Delayed due to the pandemic
Architect: John Helmfridsson
Construction project manager: Mats Anderses
Base: Piled slab on ground
Frame: Post-and-beam + CLT
Closure
Håkan and Maria’s canning factory is more than just a house – it’s a story of love for Bohuslän, for craftsmanship and for creating something lasting. Through carefully chosen materials, skilled craftsmen and a relentless desire to perfect every detail, they have created a home that stands as a symbol of both tradition and innovation.
It is a place where history and the future meet, where every corner has a story to tell and where family and friends can gather and create new memories for generations to come.
