House Dreams 2015 is here and with it comes inspiring stories of people who have dared to realize their dream projects. In this retrospective episode, we see how several former participants have fared. From unexpected challenges to grand visions turned into reality, we get a glimpse of what life is like after the cameras have stopped rolling. How have their house dreams evolved? Have the visions become reality or has the road there been bumpier than expected?
Table of contents
Åsa and Magnus - Intertwined lives in Limhamn
Åsa and Magnus joined their families in a charming street house in Limhamn, where they started an extensive extension to create space for everyone. But what first looked like an exciting challenge quickly became more complicated than expected. Problems piled up with the construction company going bankrupt, increased costs and a house that felt far from finished. Despite these obstacles, Åsa and Magnus have now managed to create a home where they thrive. The process has taught them the importance of patience and flexibility.
Facts about the House
Location: Limhamn, Malmö
Vision: Extension of an older street house to accommodate two intertwined families
Challenges: Bankruptcy of the construction company, financial obstacles and slow construction pace
Tommy in Malevik - From luxury villa to turn-of-the-century dream
Tommy and Fredrika built an impressive villa in Malevik, but in the middle of construction they separated. Tommy sold the house and has now settled into a charming turn-of-the-century house from 1908. With plans for an extension and a future swimming pool, Tommy continues to realize his house dreams, albeit on a smaller scale and with more thoughtfulness.
Facts about the House
Location: Malevik, Gothenburg
Vision: Transform a turn-of-the-century house into a personal home with an extension and pool
Lessons learned: The importance of choosing the right plot and that less can be more
Jörgen and Monica - Self-sufficient in Österlen
The dream of a sustainable life led Jörgen and Monica from Västerbotten to Österlen. They have built an ecological house with solar panels, their own well and sewer. Although their son initially found it difficult to settle in, the family has now found peace. Their focus on self-sufficiency and environmentally friendly solutions has made them independent and happy.
Facts about the House
Location: Brantevik, Österlen
Vision: Ecological and self-sufficient living
Challenges: Adaptation to new environment for the family and compromises in the design
Åsa and Johannes - Plus energy houses and collective solutions in Lund
Åsa and Johannes built an award-winning plus-energy house in Lund with the vision of sustainability and energy efficiency. However, there were more challenges than expected, especially with completing the facade and installations such as the heat pump and solar collectors. To create community, they rent out several rooms and have created a collective feeling in their modern home.
Facts about the House
Location: Lund
Vision: Plus energy house with social and sustainable solutions
Solutions: Separate apartment and rental of rooms for increased community
Bill and Marie - New paths after separation in Höganäs
After several house renovations and a busy lifestyle, things came to a halt for Bill and Marie. When Marie was diagnosed with cancer and the couple went their separate ways, life changed drastically. Bill is now settled in a new house near his children’s school, while Marie dreams of a life in an old stone house in France. Their journey shows that dreams of home sometimes lead to unexpected but necessary changes.
Facts about the House
Location: Höganäs, Skåne
Vision: To create a calmer and more balanced life after a hectic period
Challenges: Separation, illness and transition to new life choices
Closure
Revisiting these visionaries shows that the path to the dream house is rarely straightforward. Unexpected challenges, personal changes and new priorities shape both the houses and the people. Their experiences reflect the importance of adapting and embracing change. Whether the dream is of a grand architectural masterpiece or a simple home close to nature, these stories show that the courage to follow your heart is key.
