In the Norrköping – Grand Designs Sweden 2024 episode, we followed an inspiring construction project where Pontus Andersson and Johanna Ringdahl transformed their small cottage into an architect-designed, minimalist dream on Lake Glan. This story of courage, skill and wise decision-making shows how a house can be transformed from the ordinary to the extraordinary.
Table of contents
Family vision and starting point
When Pontus and Johanna moved to their small cottage in 2018, it was a practical home for them and their daughter Lo. With a stunning view of Lake Glan, the site had potential, but the simple cottage with its white facade and offbeat details didn’t fit their aesthetic vision. Expecting their second child, they decided to do something radical: to extend and remodel their home to match both the family’s needs and the beauty of the surroundings.
With the help of architect Marko Koistinen, they drew up plans that transformed their 48-square-meter cottage into a 170-square-meter, architect-designed creation in the Scandinavian minimalist style.
Details of the construction project
The architectural plan included an extension of 122 square meters, connected to the original cottage by a glazed corridor. The new building was constructed with prefabricated timber frames and clad in a smooth, standing seam pine panel that continued across the roof to create a seamless look. The floor plan includes:
- A living room with seven meter high ceilings and large glass panels that invite the view.
- An airy kitchen and dining room on the ground floor.
- A parents’ bedroom upstairs.
- A 24 meter long corridor connecting the old cottage with the extension.
Challenges and solutions
The project faced several challenges, but Pontus and Johanna showed creativity and determination:
Weather and wind: The start of construction in November 2022 coincided with strong winds that made work on the frame difficult. To secure the building, extra braces had to be used, which meant drilling into the precast slab – a risk for the planned concrete floor.
Budget under pressure: Price increases for building materials meant the couple had to prioritize. By taking on much of the work themselves, Pontus was able to keep costs down. His brother and father-in-law also pitched in and contributed to the success of the project.
Quality choices: When money started to run out, the family wisely chose to postpone work on the upstairs. This decision allowed the finished part to maintain the same high quality, which benefited the overall impression.
The result: A house that connects old and new
When the project was completed in December 2023, Pontus and Johanna had created a home that is both aesthetic and functional. The polished concrete surface of the ground floor meets the wooden floor of the old cottage seamlessly, and the choice of materials – from the wooden staircase to the recessed doors – gives a sense of harmony throughout.
Mark Isitt described the house as “an amazing architectural refinement”, highlighting details such as the tasteful staircase and the thoughtful use of materials to link the old with the new.
Facts about the house
Developers: Pontus Andersson and Johanna Ringdahl
Architect: Marko Koistinen
Existing house: 48 sqm
Extension: 122 sqm
Total: 170 sqm
Frame: Prefabricated wood
Facade and roof: Standing smooth pine panel
Budget: SEK 3.5 million
Outcome: SEK 4.2 million
Construction start: November 2022
Occupancy: December 2023
Closure
Pontus and Johanna’s journey from a simple cottage to a modern, architect-designed home is a source of inspiration for anyone who dreams of creating a unique home. Their courage to build themselves, adapt to challenges and set wise priorities shows how much can be achieved with determination and creativity.
At Stiligt, we are inspired by stories like this. Their minimalist home on Lake Glan is an example of how careful material choices and thoughtful architecture can create harmonious and functional living. For those who dream of transforming their home into something extraordinary, this project is a reminder that the possibilities are endless – if you dare to take the plunge.
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All about Grand Designs Sweden
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