Exterior perspective

Revisiting Swedish Vernacular

Navn
Sofia Matilda Hesselstrand
Uddannelsesgrad
Kandidat
Fagfelt
Arkitektur
Institut
Bygningskunst og Design
Program
Spatial Design
År
2024

This project in Malmö aims to blend Swedish vernacular architecture with modern needs. Inspired by traditional "red house" designs, it fosters community bonds and addresses climate impact. By reviving old techniques, it honors cultural heritage while embracing contemporary living, envisioning a sustainable, socially vibrant urban community.

 

 

The project explores what we can learn from history and using our culture and identity as a strength instead of always seeking new modern solutions to today’s problems. How can old techniques meet the modern needs? My aim is to shine a light on the everyday traditional solutions that we have forgotten and strengthen the vernacular culture while still working with the local goals of the municipality. In doing so, we honor the past without merely replicating it. The project becomes a readable homage, a thoughtful nod to the history woven into the fabric of Swedish life. The vernacular inspiration becomes a subtle thread, weaving through the design, creating a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. This approach ensures that the project stands as a testament to cultural heritage while resonating with the needs and aspirations of contemporary living

The knowledge that I have gotten has been mainly from site visits to the open air museum, Kulturen in Sweden that also is the second largest open air museum in the world with Skansen in Stockholm as the biggest. I have been able to study the buildings and especially the spatial solutions as well as asking questions to the researchers. I have also used the research from Sigurd Erixon as a great reference.

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Geography
Craft
Building typology
Settelment
Heating
Seasonal migration
floor plan
floor plan
generation
site visit

From the mapping of Swedish vernacular I have identified certain principles that have guided me through the design process. 

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Principles from Swedish Vernacular

How the principles has shown it self in the project

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Local material
Hemp
Hemp
Labour
Construction
Settlement
Adapting
Placebuilt

The site, Kirseberg, in Sweden and the municipalities masterplan

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Kirseberg
Masterplan
Rowhouses
Courtyards

Exterior perspectives of proposal

Courtyard
.
Balcony
.

Floor plan of the two types of unit with different inhabitants

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Ground floor
Second Floor
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Settlement
Zoom Settlement
Site

Interior perspective during winter

Interior

Section

Section

Exploded axo.

The building is a blend of traditional techniques and modern adaptability, showcasing a two-story timber frame construction. The wooden frame is infilled with hempcrete insulation, providing excellent thermal performance and breathability, which is finished by a smooth, earthy textured plaster, both exterior and interior.

A defining feature of the structure is its dynamic adaptability, designed to respond to seasonal changes. The building's unique quality lies in its ability to expand and contract, facilitated by innovative idease with historical roots, such as folding walls and ceiling-hung fabrics. These elements can be adjusted to either open up the space, inviting in light and air during warmer months, or to create a more intimate, insulated environment in colder seasons.

At the heart of the home, a centrally placed fireplace serves dual purposes. Beyond its role in providing cozy warmth, it also acts as a key structural component. This multifunctional hearth is a focal point, drawing people together while supporting the overall integrity of the structure.

Inside, the spaces are furnished with custom-built, flexible furniture that can be reconfigured to suit various needs and activities. This design approach ensures that each room can serve multiple purposes, enhancing the livability and versatility of the home.

The building exemplifies a commitment to sustainability and localism by looking at what is existing within the country. The use of materials that remain unmixed ensures that every component can be easily upcycled or reused. 

Exploded axo

Some of the place built funiture can be adapted 

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bedroom
bedroom
bedroom

Ambiguous spaces can be transformed. Example a kitchen into a dance floor.

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Cooking
Dinner
Party

Seasonal adaptations

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Day
Night

Det Kongelige Akademi understøtter FN’s verdensmål

Siden 2017 har Det Kongelige Akademi arbejdet med FN’s verdensmål. Det afspejler sig i forskning, undervisning og afgangsprojekter. Dette projekt har forholdt sig til følgende FN-mål