#RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE PROJECTS
andreas martin-löf's country retreat overlooks stockholm's archipelago
this country retreat by swedish architect andreas martin-löf is perched at the top of a steep hillside, overlooking the stockholm archipelago below.
early designs for the dwelling — named ‘aspvik house’ — revolved around finding a solution that fitted into the undulating terrain, while including all necessary functions for a retreat in the scandinavian climate.
the architects identified that the sloping nature of the site allowed a two-storey house to be built without imposing too heavily on the natural landscape. the timber and steel dwelling rests on a concrete plinth with external walls angled by five degrees in a subtle reference to a lookout tower which previously occupied the plot. an angled concrete retaining wall cuts through the lower storey, delineating an infinity pool to the west, and a morning terrace which wraps around the entirety of the house.
the lower floor includes an entrance hall, a bedroom, a bathroom and a sauna, with a staircase leading to a large room on the upper floor containing kitchen, dining and living areas. a custom-built bookshelf fits into the structural grid and provides storage while simultaneously maintaining a separation between the staircase and the dining area.
the materials are intentionally kept raw and relatively simple with a palette of plywood walls, ‘nero marquina’ marble and polished brass details. elsewhere, a combination of carefully chosen luxury appliances and more standard products lend the scheme an intriguing visual diversity.
