On the shore

They dreamed of living near the sea on summer and long weekends. Now it’s there on the shore north of Umeå, the house that Anja and Filippa built; it was drawn by architect Ylva Rosvall, VARG Arkitekter, in close dialogue with the two.

Their lodge is L-shaped. Three corners were cut out to house a veranda, a pergola, and an outdoor shower. The two bodies of the house are of slightly different character. The one with the kitchen is sort of public overlooking the sea and the summer, while the other one with the dormitories is somewhat more private and gives onto the forest and the winter. The two parts are bound together by sight lines into the trees and out to sea. Shields and thin wooden ribs give shelter and intriguing shadow plays.

There’s really no need for further introduction; a decade ago, former downhill skier, World Champion, and Olympic Gold Medalist Anja Pärson and her wife designer and stylist Filippa Rådin came out as eloquent and enlightened ambassadors for a greener world. Since then they’ve spread their message with warmth and humour in various ways, not least on their own Youtube channel.

– In fact, we acquired our beach lot a couple of years before erecting the house, says Filippa. There was no hurry. We got acquainted with the forest and the shore, tuned in, and learned to love the place; how the light fell and the wind blew. Nothing’s been done to it. We’ve left the forest. Without it, the site might be too windy, and besides we care about our trees.

– Once we started building, going green was the natural thing to do. The intention was obviously to protect our own health and ultimately the environment, says Anja. This is our place on earth. But we whish to leave as few traces as possible, it was here before us and will remain after us; it is a source of inspiration and a place to cherish.

Sustainability and recycling has been their motto. They’ve been anxious to minimise impact on nature and climate, and their choice of materials reflects their concern. The foundation was cast in foam glass instead of concrete which generates lots of greenhouse gases when produced. The amount of plastic was substantially reduced and the rest is recycled. Walls are massif wood and masonite. The wood has milled grooves containing air which effectively isolates the house. And so forth; their project is all about considerate building – and showing it’s doable.

– Compared to a conventional house of the same size, we’ve diminished our pressure on the climate with roughly 70 percent, says Filippa.

– I just wish us to rewind a little, Anja adds, take it easy, and slow down. We can’t go on like this for ever.

Wariness and resilience are keywords. Anja and Filippa prefer domestic raw materials, local production, and solid Swedish trademarks.

– Whenever, and for whatever purpose, we’ve been to Stockholm, we’ve always ended up at the Kvänum flagship store on Östermalm touching smothe work tops, testing soft close drawers, and dreaming of a new kitchen. We love Kvänum, says Filippa laughing.

– And design, says Anja. The Liljencrantz kitchen in colour Chocolate is the jewellery of our house, in a strange way embodying what we think and feel; it’s perfect harmony. Louise Liljencrantz is a brilliant designer. The kitchen is our favourite room, as is the case for many Swedes, I reckon. A Swedish kitchen is a little bit like a Finnish sauna.

Here is where they spend most of their time, Anja, Filippa, and their children. In summer they’re frequently having visitors around. Food is prepared and consumed. And as usual – whether they serve a meal or build a house – Filippa makes plans and Anja manages the logistics. Entertaining their guests seems to be a sheer joy. It’s much like slalom; the kitchen is a course, and rhythm and flow are key. If it’s hot the children can easily grab a bite or a cool drink in the fridge. In due time, a tasty buffet will be laid out on the kitchen isle. Guests mingle outside and inside. Life’s easy for a while. Up in the north, these sunny days and white nights are a real treat.

– And one more thing, we’ve always longed for a walk-in-pantry where you can stay on your own for a few minutes and figure things out. At last, we have one, says Anja with a happy sigh.