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A Designer’s Dream: Monica Förster Takes on Architecture
In a stunning transformation from celebrated product designer to architect, Monica Förster has unveiled her first architectural project: Berghem, a deconstructed summer house nestled in the rocky embrace of the Stockholm archipelago. This innovative holiday home, crafted for her own family on the serene island of Torö, represents a unique melding of modern design principles with a profound respect for nature.
Integrating Nature and Design
Förster’s vision for Berghem was clear: create a space that melds seamlessly into the rugged landscape while offering functional living spaces. By reviving the existing structural shell of another house, painted in the locally iconic Falu red, she adeptly navigated the challenges of transporting materials to the relatively isolated site. “The landscape is rugged, with rocky terrain, twisted pines and ferns that define the area,” Förster remarked, drawing inspiration from her childhood memories of Lapland. The careful integration of Organowood cladding, a material infused with silicone that naturally weathers to a grey hue, enhances the home’s unity with its environment, allowing the residence to feel like a natural extension of the mountain itself.
A Design for the Elements
To maximize the breathtaking views of the archipelago and provide comfort in the face of windy climate conditions, Förster designed Berghem with an innovative division into three sections. This layout allows the structure to rise gracefully with the slope of the hill, giving a 360-degree panorama of the stunning surroundings. The lower building incorporates the existing shell and houses essential amenities such as two bedrooms and a bathroom, while a newly-constructed upper building features an airy living room and kitchen.
Emphasis on Indoor-Outdoor Living
One of the standout features of this architectural marvel is how it encourages a lifestyle centered around the outdoors. As Förster noted, “It’s a very windy location, so it’s good to have different spaces to move between.” The design promotes fluid movement between the buildings, with a shaded pergola creating a comfortable outdoor space. This arrangement not only fosters family interaction but also encourages a deeper connection with nature—an essential aspect of Förster’s vision.
Neutral Elegance: A Simple Yet Functional Interior
Inside, the color palette remains neutral, promoting tranquility and allowing the surrounding beauty to shine. White walls and natural wooden floors create a serene backdrop, while well-placed grey-stone highlights add a modern touch. This marriage of simplicity and functionality is drawn from Förster's design approach, emphasizing the spiritual connection between architecture and the natural world.
More Than Just a House: A Reflection of Lifestyle Choices
“This project gave me the possibility to create a whole vision of how I would like to live close to nature,” Förster stated, highlighting her intention to not only construct a house but to envision a lifestyle. Her desire to consider sustainability through thoughtful detailing and material selection underlines an important shift in architectural practices today: a focus on human-centered design that harmonizes living spaces with natural environments.
Connecting Design to Well-Being
The significance of this architectural debut goes beyond aesthetics; it touches on the essence of well-being in design. Homes like Berghem are a testament to how thoughtful architecture can elevate everyday experiences, encouraging people to embrace the outdoors while providing shelter and comfort. It’s a bold example for prospective homeowners and buyers inspired by great design—a reminder that our living spaces can foster tranquility, connection, and sustainability.
If you're dreaming about designing a home that reflects both style and nature, explore how you can achieve a similar vision. Let us design, plan, and build your next home or remodel! Call 831-521-7729.
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