Building your dream home is a journey filled with anticipation, passion and sometimes unexpected obstacles. In this episode of Haganäs – House Dreams, we follow Taras and Tanja, a couple who left the hustle and bustle of the city to create their shared paradise in the forest outside Södertälje. Their vision was clear: a house that blends in with nature and invites the forest to be part of their home. This story is about the courage to realize your dreams, compromises and how a building trip can be the start of a whole new life.
Table of contents
A Dream That Took Shape in the Forest
Taras and Tanja dreamed of something more than just a house – they wanted to create a place where nature would play the leading role. On a remote forest plot in Haganäs, their vision began to take shape. With the help of skilled architects, they designed a house that floats above the ground, supported by plinths, with large glass sections that blur the line between inside and outside. The slender structure, with its 50-meter-long façade, offers a panoramic view of the surrounding nature.
For Tanja, who has her roots in the beautiful city of St. Petersburg, and Taras, this project also became a symbol of their new life together. From living in separate houses a few kilometers away, they wanted to create something in common – a place where their families and dreams could come together.
Architecture in Harmony with Nature
The house is an architectural gem that combines modern design with the tranquil surroundings of the forest. The use of large floor-to-ceiling windows maximizes light and the forest becomes a living canvas in every room. Wooden details recur throughout the house, creating a warm and natural feel.
A three-meter-deep wooden deck runs around the house, connecting the indoor and outdoor environments. Particularly impressive is how the trees run right through the terrace and pergola, reinforcing the feeling that the house blends into nature.
One of the most impressive features of the house is its location – elevated from the ground. This not only provides spectacular views but also creates a sense of security and privacy. At one end of the house is a large master bedroom overlooking the restored Bird Lake. Adjacent is a luxurious bathroom with sauna and jacuzzi – a perfect place to relax all year round.
Challenges and Solutions
Building a house from scratch is rarely without obstacles. For Taras and Tanja, the challenges were both practical and financial. From excavating land and building a road into the plot to dealing with delays in window deliveries and going over budget.
Their budget was set at SEK 7.5 million, but in the end the project went over by almost a million. The sale of their previous house was slow, which created stress. Despite this, their determination stood firm. They chose to invest in high-quality materials, especially in the large glass sections that are the heart of the house.
A key lesson from their journey is the importance of having a clear plan and making crucial decisions well in advance. The choice of railings for the terrace, which was initially uncertain, ended up being a stylish metal mesh with L-profiles – a solution that blends in with the design and enhances the elegance of the house.
A Vision of the Future
For Taras and Tanja, this was not just about a house, but about creating a life in harmony with nature. Their vision went beyond the building – they dreamed of starting businesses such as a cat boarding house and their own brewery on the six-hectare plot. The dream of living and working in this natural environment was strong.
This project is a shining example of how a home can be much more than just a building. It can be a catalyst for a whole new way of living, where everyday life is characterized by calm, creativity and closeness to nature.
Facts about the house
Location: Haganäs, outside Södertälje
Living space: 219 m²
Start of construction: April 2015
Move-in: December 2015
Budget: SEK 7.5 million (exceeded by about 1 million)
Closure
Tara and Tanya’s journey from dream to reality shows how passion, persistence and creativity can overcome challenges. Their house is not only an impressive architectural creation, but also a symbol of the courage to create their own life in harmony with nature.
