In the fifth episode, Vallda – House Dreams, we follow Daniel and Jeanette on their exciting journey to build their dream home. Combining modern design solutions with sustainable materials, they explore how to create a home that blends in with nature while meeting the needs of the family.
Table of contents
Choosing the right location
The choice of location is crucial when building your dream home. For Daniel and Jeanette, it was important to find a plot that was not only big enough to accommodate their family, but also a place that felt right. They settled on a large natural plot in Vallda, where they felt they could create a home that blends in with its surroundings.
The plot, which extends over seven thousand square meters, offers a unique opportunity to live close to nature. Daniel and Jeanette wanted a place where they could farm and enjoy the outdoors with their children. It wasn’t just a question of size, but also of finding a plot with the right feel and potential.
House Design and Function
When it comes to the design of the house, Daniel and Jeanette have chosen a modern and functional style. They have focused on creating a home that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Their vision includes a single-storey house built from cross-laminated timber, which gives a durable and warm feel.
One of the central features of the design is the large kitchen that integrates with the living room. This creates an open and inviting atmosphere, perfect for family time and socializing. To maximize space, they have also planned for a long wall of wardrobes, providing enough storage without compromising on space.
Challenges with Santa Claus
Despite the beautiful location, Daniel and Jeanette have encountered several challenges with the plot. One of the most obvious is the damp ground level. It is important to manage stormwater effectively to avoid problems with moisture in the future. The challenge is to raise the ground level where the house will stand, so that water does not collect around the foundation.
The invasive plant species giant balsam is also a factor they have to deal with. This plant is EU-listed and needs to be removed from the plot, which requires time and effort. Despite these obstacles, they are determined to create a plot that harmonizes with the surrounding nature.
The construction process begins
With the drawings ready and a clear vision in place, the building process has now started. Daniel and Jeanette have never built a house before, which makes them feel both excited and uncertain. They are closely following every step of the process, eager to see their dreams take shape.
The first phase of construction involves the pouring of the base plate, which is a critical part of the construction. After this, the frame itself will be erected, giving them a clearer picture of what the house will look like. It’s a time of anticipation and creativity, where every detail counts.
Ground levels and Aesthetics
One of the most challenging aspects of the construction process has been managing the ground levels. Daniel and Jeanette want the house to blend in with the environment, which requires careful adjustments to the plot. They aim for a natural feel, where the house blends in with the surrounding nature rather than standing out.
By adjusting the ground levels, they want to create a more harmonious transition between the house and the landscape. It’s about creating an environment that feels both inviting and natural, where they can fully enjoy their new home.
Material selection and sustainability
For Daniel and Jeanette, the choice of materials is central to the construction of their house. They have chosen to use sustainable and natural materials that harmonize with the surrounding nature. One of the most prominent materials is wood, which not only provides a warm and inviting atmosphere, but is also a renewable resource.
The wood used in the construction is carefully selected to ensure high quality and durability. By using cross-laminated timber, a modern building technique, they have been able to create a strong and stable structure that is also environmentally friendly. This choice of material reflects their commitment to a sustainable lifestyle and their desire to minimize environmental impact.
Family Involvement in Construction
The building process has become a family activity where both Daniel and Jeanette, and their children, have been able to contribute. It has not only been about building a house, but also about creating shared memories and experiences. The children have been involved in various tasks, giving them a sense of ownership and responsibility for their new home.
This involvement has also strengthened family ties. While Daniel and Jeanette take care of the more technical aspects of the building, the children have contributed their own creative ideas, such as planning a climbing wall in their room. By involving the children in decisions and activities, they create an environment where everyone feels valued and involved.
Final stage of Construction
Now, as the construction process reaches its final stage, excitement is high. Daniel and Jeanette have worked hard to make their dream come true, and now they can see the results of their labor. What was once an empty lot has now been transformed into a home they can call their own.
They have learned a lot along the way, including how to deal with unexpected challenges and adapt to change. With each step forward, they have become more confident in their abilities, which has led them to take more responsibility for the construction. Watching the house take shape has been a reward in itself, and now they are looking forward to moving in.
Moving into your dream home
Moving in is fast approaching, and emotions are mixed. It’s a time of joy, but also of nostalgia as they leave their old home behind. Daniel and Jeanette reflect on all the work that has been done and how much they have grown as individuals and as a family during this journey.
Moving into their dream home is more than just a physical move. It’s about starting a new chapter in their lives, where they can create new memories and traditions as a family. They look forward to enjoying their new home, surrounded by the nature they love.
Facts about the House
Surface: 150 square meters
Architect: Sofie Campanello
Construction time: 12 months
Special construction details: Cross-laminated timber, tarred facade
Key materials: Sustainable wood, natural tar
Plot size: 7000 square meters
