Villa Vallmo | Thomas Sandell

Traditional Swedish architecture has been one of my foremost sources of inspiration all the way back since I started my architecture studies. I remember coming back to Sweden after a longer field trip in Italy, travelling through the winter landscape seeing all the red cottages contrasting to the white snow thinking that, this is actually even more beautiful than Italy. The red color and the characteristic architecture that we take for granted is both fascinating and enchanting for international colleagues. It is world unique.

Villa Vallmo is inspired by the Swedish architectural inheritance both in aesthetic and practical solutions such as overhanging roof protecting the facades, making sheltered space for outdoor living. This also makes a convenient transition from house to environment. I’ve used natural materials from the region, designing this house. The shape of this house makes it suitable for different types of settings, for example smaller cities which I think are the winners of the future. New technology and transportations will make it easier living close to the nature.