A Pine House | NOTE Design Studio

Located in the steep mountain terrain of Ottsjö, south of Åre Ski Resort, Note’s first ever architectural project is now completed. Created for a young couple with a deep appreciation for the outdoors, the house is carefully placed into its surroundings while still holding its own clear and distinct expression.

When Note started in 2008, it was with a clear vision to be a multidisciplinary design studio, and that heritage has been at the core of the studio’s work ever since.

Therefore, the Ottsjö project is particularly significant as it marks the studio’s first step into full-scale architectural design. Having spent years refining their approach to shaping interiors, stepping into architecture has been a natural but elusive progression.

”We have searched for this opportunity for years and this project marks a significant shift; one where we establish the architectural framework rather than adapting to pre-existing conditions,” says Johannes Karlström, co-founder of Note, and continues: ”It has allowed us to translate our knowledge of materiality, spatial flow, and user experience into a broader context. For us, this project has manifested a newfound freedom, where we set the parameters rather than working within them.”

The architectural design consists of three identical pitched-roof volumes, interlinked yet offset to capture the stunning mountain views to the west. This arrangement allows the house to naturally follow the undulating terrain, creating a fluid and intuitive floor plan.

Each volume serves a distinct function, ensuring a balance between shared and private spaces. The internal connection is facilitated by a central footbridge, allowing for both physical and vocal access throughout the entire home. The result is a highly social living environment, offering maximum functionality despite its minimal footprint.

Materials for a demanding climate

The choice of materials plays a crucial role in the identity – and the functionality – of the house. Both Note and the client put a lot of effort into finding the right materials and craftsmen locally, both for the sustainability aspect and to make sure they designed a house that works well in the face of Ottsjö’s demanding climate.

”The exterior is clad in untreated Norrland heartwood, arranged in varying panel widths to create a subtle variation in the facade. We also use Norwegian marble that is sourced from just across the mountain, a local and beautiful stone that fits just right together with the pine,” says Jesper Mellgren, the project’s architect.

Beyond aesthetics, the house is built to embrace the realities of mountain living. The steep roof pitch is designed to handle massive snowfall, and the house is shaped to withstand the region's harsh weather conditions while capturing the precious daylight and framing the panoramic views.

”This project represents our evolution as creators, bringing our experience in interiors into a broader architectural vision. It is an exploration of how space, function, and materiality can work together in the context of the surrounding wild nature. This is a house that fills the needs of the people living there today, and it will also be a contribution to the village of Ottsjö and the site itself for generations to come,” Mellgren concludes.

Photography: Erik Lefvander