Text description provided by the architects. The site is on an island on the west coast of Sweden, and has a unique position perched on a steep mountain rock located close to the highest point in the landscape. It offers wide and open views over the sea and the horizon. The client wanted two houses, one for the parents and one for the children that are also adults by now, both with extra rooms for visiting friends.

Courtesy of Tham & Videgard Arkitekter

The challenge offered by the steep site was solved with two terraced levels built up from the local stones used for foundation walls of many of the older houses on these islands that were originally populated by fishermen and captains. The resulting platforms are integrated within the rocky landscape, set against the protruding bedrock. Above the solid stonewalls and concrete terrace, a light structural framework of wood defines the contour of the houses. An inner ring of large glass sliding doors separate the interior from the terrace, a continuous loggia space encircles all four facades.

Courtesy of Tham & Videgard Arkitekter

Plan house 1

Courtesy of Tham & Videgard Arkitekter

Stairs to access the house platforms are included in the solid base while a few steps and stonewalls are the only additions to the natural environment, the rest has been left untouched. At night the new buildings stand out like beacons, their lights shining from the top of the hill.

Courtesy of Tham & Videgard Arkitekter

Detail Section

• Architects

  Tham & Videgard Arkitekter

• Location

  Gothenburg, Sweden

• Category

  Houses

• Responsible Architects

  Bolle Tham and Martin Videgard

• Project Architect

  Mariano Tellechea

• Team

  Marten Nettelbladt, Carmen Izquierdo, Johanna Redell, Mans Tham, Konrad Krupinski

• Building Contractor

  Robusta

• Project Year

  2014