The Guesthouse

Your first stop upon arriving at the Treehotel grounds is the Guesthouse, where you check in to your room. The nine rooms in here give off a distinct throwback vibe, drawing on inspiration from designs of the 1930s to 1950s. Don’t worry, though — they still have Wi-Fi.

The Blue Cone

Set upon posts, this square red building is raised off the ground and handicap accessible. In stark contrast to its rustic exterior, the Blue Cone’s birch interior emanates a calm, sleek Swedish design. It also provides four beds, a sleeping loft, lounge area, and bathroom.

The Dragonfly

Perfectly suited for use as a meeting room, the Dragonfly boasts a table that seats 12, a lounge area, bathroom, and two smaller group rooms. Even if you’re ditching work for a personal stay, you’ll find that this lodging comfortably sleeps four people. Whatever the reason for your visit may be, the Drangonfly’s large panoramic windows are sure keep you feeling close to nature.

The UFO

The name helps paint an accurate mental picture of this silver orb nestled into the trees. To top it all off, guests gain entry to the UFO via a retractable staircase that stretches down to the ground. Inside, you’ll find a much cozier scene, with a main room that accommodates up to five people.

The Cabin

On first approach, the Cabin appears to float weightless in the trees. Intended for two guests, it’s a long capsule-shaped room with a double bed, bathroom, and terrace.

The Bird’s Nest

Camouflaged in the surrounding trees, one might trek right past this room if they didn’t know what to look for. Completely encased in branches like the massive nest of a bird, the Bird’s Nest is also accessed via a retractable staircase.

The 7th Room

As you’ve probably already guest, this addition came about only after the first six rooms were designed and built. Looking up at it from ground level, you’ll see a reflection of the surrounding forest printed on its underside. But while it blends into its surroundings on the outside, the 7th Room offers a very different atmosphere inside, with contemporary decor and massive northern-facing windows that facilitate views of the northern lights. Guests can even lay in a large cargo net off the deck to take in the sounds of the forest and obstructed views of the sky from a height of about 32 feet off the ground.

The Mirrorcube

Distinct even among unique designs, the Mirrorcube looks exactly like its name suggests. Its aluminum-framed base was contoured around the base of a neighboring tree before the reflective glass walls were added to complete the cubical concept. Like the other rooms, though, its interior brings nothing but warmth, comfort, and sleek amenities for two guests to enjoy.
Nearby buildings offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, as well as showers, a sauna, and a bar. When you’re not too busy enjoying the spectacular views from your room, visiting with other patrons in the sauna or Guesthouse, or eating your way through Swedish delicacies at the on-site restaurant, you might find yourself taking in the nearby hiking, rafting, kayaking, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, fishing, or fat bike riding options.

The post Sweden’s Treehotel Offers Offbeat Lodgings in Cozy Forest first appeared on Dornob.

Located in a field outside Stockholm, One Tree Four Seasons is a collaboration between Ulf Mejergren Architects (UMA) and Finnish artist Antti Laitinen. The project encircles a solitary alder tree set on a small hill with a giant nest-like structure, which will be periodically modified to represent the four seasons. The team uses only natural materials they can find in the immediate area to build the installation, making the results seem almost like a natural growth upon the tree.

The first part was completed earlier this year and unveiled in May, displaying the starkness of the leafless tree in the cold winter and early spring seasons. The tree was already surrounded by rocks, thanks to an old agricultural practice involving clearing obstacles from the adjacent fields. The team gathered dead branches and wove them together to form a circular nest that’s open at the top, with a huge round window looking out. Curious passersby will no doubt see the structure and the opening and approach out of curiosity, perhaps climbing inside to discover that the floor is also woven.

In August, the creative team revealed Season II. This time, a new natural material was available for them to work with: hay cut and collected from the fields. Not only did they pack the hay into the woven branch structure to give it more solidity, they crafted it into a slightly curving upper wall that focuses a tight view on the canopy of the tree overhead.

They also integrated a circular hay bench lining the perimeter. Stacked bales became temporary stairs outside the entrance. As such, this enormous nest became an organic concert space. Local string quartet Julikvartetten was invited to conduct a performance inside, playing not to an audience of humans but to the tree itself, and any wildlife that might be nearby. Season III will be underway shortly, and one imagines that it will include some fall leaves, or perhaps corn stalks or other agricultural byproducts from the scene.

The fact that the work looks like a nest calls to mind the architectural works of certain animals and insects, from termite mounds to beaver dams. Structures built by animals can be quite elaborate, blurring the lines between nature and art. Projects like One Tree Four Seasons remind us that we too are animals. Plus, there’s a very particular sense of comfort that comes from building architecture that works with nature instead of against it.

The post Living Tree Converted into a Nest-Like Concert Space in Rural Sweden first appeared on Dornob.

One of their latest creations is “Atri,” an A-frame off-grid house with a mix of open living spaces and private rooms spread out over three levels, all connected to an open atrium shielded by a glass ceiling. Built in Sikhall, Vänersborg on the shores of Lake Vänern, the home is designed for a completely self-sufficient lifestyle with solar power, a wood-burning stove, built-in raised bed gardens to grow your own food, and connection to on-site well water and septic so no outside utilities are required. Its pointed design mimics the shape of the surrounding conifers.

The home essentially creates its own little microclimate thanks to the greenhouse effect, which can be amplified by the wood stove in harsh winter weather. Not only is that conducive to growing even heat-loving vegetables like tomatoes and peppers in winter, it also lets occupants enjoy an outdoor lifestyle year-round. Throughout the home, you have the ability to gaze out the glass A-frame roof, providing a direct connection to nature. It’s a refreshing change from architecture that can often feel in conflict with nature, working against it instead of with it. The architects intentionally kept the building site as free from intervention as possible, simply creating a gravel pad that visually connects to the neighboring sandy beach.

If there’s one caveat to such a design, it’s the question of whether the home could become uncomfortably warm in the summertime. Though it would increase the cost by a lot, perhaps the kind of glass that can change from clear to opaque on demand would help fine-tune the level of sun protection when needed. That price, by the way, is SEK 7,850,000 ($770,310 USD). The Atria home measures 1,335 square feet and has two bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms. Other homes by Naturvillan boast similar greenhouse-inspired designs, including the Mini, Midi, and Maxi.

Naturvillan offers a utopian vision of how such homes can be used. “With most of the outer garden only formed by nature you enter your own dream garden inside a greenhouse with a breathtaking high ceiling filled with brightness and clean air. Park the electric car and connect it to your own grid generating new power or to use for electricity in your house. Pick a couple of tomatoes along the green eco cycle wall before you go inside the dwelling. The entry hall is spacious, has easy access to next floor which contains bedroom(s), WC, balcony, and a library. Climb up to the roof terrace and breathe the air, relax, and enjoy the view.”

The post A-Frame Greenhouse Home Brings a Mediterranean Growing Climate Wherever You Want to Live first appeared on Dornob.

“I got to spend a few days and nights in some of the Treehotel rooms right before the pandemic, and left with a sense of rejuvenation from complete immersion into nature,” says BIG founder and creative director Bjarke Ingels. “I couldn’t help wondering if there was a way to take the immersion one step further – and almost instantly the idea of inviting not only the human visitors but also the resident bird and bat population to cohabit a spherical swarm of nests came to life. After our first conversations with Ulf Öhman from Norrbotten Ornithological Association we were relieved to learn that birds don’t drop where they nest – so there is hope for the glass to remain clear within this cloud of aviary architecture.”

As the name suggests, Biosphere is a spherical suspended room that offers habitation not just to humans, but wildlife as well. BIG worked with Swedish ornithologist Ulf Öhman to craft an exterior that’s capable of welcoming up to 350 families of birds, strengthening biodiversity in the area. In addition to bird houses of various sizes designed to attract different species, there are bat houses, bee houses, and bird feeders. The treehouse is accessed by a suspended bridge stretching from the ground to the pine canopies.

“Inventories in Norrbotten County, carried out both by us as ornithologists and by the County Administrative Board, show that a number of different bird populations are decreasing,” says Öhman, chairman of the Norbotten Ornithological Association. “Forestry has led to a. Reduced number of natural holes in trees where breeding birds nest. The installation of bird nests is therefore an important measure to take. Furthermore, climate change leads to the insect boom happening earlier in the year, and by the time the birds’ eggs hatch, the boom has already passed.”

“Feeding is an important support mechanism for the birds that stay in Northern Sweden and require food during winter. Demonstrating the use of bird nests and feeding, not just at the Treehotel but for people to install near their own homes, is valuable. An initiative from Treehotel to take such measures may inspire their visitors to do the same.”

If you think the outside is cool, check out the interiors. While BIG decided to craft a comfortable space that emphasizes pragmatism and simplicity, the glass walls let guests watch as birds enter and leave the birdhouses attached to the exterior. It’s a birdwatcher’s dream, almost as if you could cozy up inside a tree trunk yourself and peer out at natural bird nests tucked within the branches.

The checkered pattern of the bird houses allows glimpses of the forest outside and transmission of natural daylight. The room also includes a living area with a chair swing, a bathroom, and a lofted bedroom. These dark interiors are designed to direct visitors’ gaze outward instead of within. Even better, guests can climb up onto the roof for 360-degree views, giving them an intimate sense of immersion in nature.

The post BIG’s Biosphere Will Add a Floating Birdhouse-Covered Room to Sweden’s Treehotel first appeared on Dornob.

Scandi style is a carefully-curated aesthetic with a rich history. Fortunately, with the help of a few tasteful furniture picks, you can achieve that hygge feeling without having to go trucking through a snow-covered Norse mountainside. Here are some good starting points:

A Comfy but Unpretentious Couch

Scandinavian furniture is all about simplicity and clean lines. Sofas with wooden legs are lighter and airier. This one from Article embodies Nordic style in its quintessential light gray hue.

Wishbone Chair

Conceived by revolutionary Danish furniture maker Hans Wegner back in 1947, the wishbone chair features a stripped-down hardwood frame with that now-iconic wishbone-shaped center and a natural-fiber sisal seat. The chair is an expression of Wegner’s own design process of “purification and simplification.” This one from Interior Icons is available in ash, white, and black.

Tulip Table

This sleek dining table is classic in its minimalism, first created by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen to mimic the shape of a single drop of a heavy liquid. That sense of fluidity is especially apparent in the base. Kept in neutral colors, like this table from Modholic, the Tulip table is sure to bring in the Scandi style you’re searching for.

Pendant Lighting

You can continue that curving movement with some pendant lighting. Whether in metals, plastics, or more organic materials like this one from Serena and Lily, there’s no denying the soothing and softening effect of that bell shape.

Egg Chair

Originally created in the 1950s by Danish designer Arne Jacbosen from the wire and plaster in his garage, this iconic piece immediately struck a chord with people around the world for its shell-shaped seat. This one from Frtiz Hansen is covered in a buttery, natural leather that looks perfect for sinking into with a hot cup of tea.

Modern Chandelier

A little extra mood lighting never hurts when you want to bring in the hygge. This sputnik-style chandelier sticks to straightforward lines but also brings in warmth and movement.

Minimalist Coffee Table

With Scandi style, the furniture all integrates unfussy lines and widen open space. This coffee table from byBespoek exemplifies those traits and ups the coziness factor with its raw wood tone.

Artek Stool

This sturdy and versatile stool is a staple of any traditional Nordic-style home. Invented by Finland native Alvar Aalto in the 1930s, the L-legged seat with its light wood and streamlined form can be used as a chair, a step ladder, or even a side table.

Natural Rug

Okay, this may not technically be a piece of furniture, but you really can’t have a cozy Scandi style cabin without a good, inviting rug to warm up the floors. This one from Boutique Rugs incorporates traditional geometric patterns in an ivory color.

While we may be confined to our own homes awhile longer, we can still transform them into intimate spaces that reflect a comfortable and hospitable Scandinavian vibe. All it takes is a few good furniture swaps!

The post 9 Furniture Pieces to Help Turn Your Home into a Cozy Scandi-Style Cabin first appeared on Dornob.

Swedish central bank Sveriges Riksbank has explained that in recent years there’s been a general decline in the use of Swedish banknotes and coins, with many people preferring to pay via mobile payment system Swish, which was introduced in 2012 by six of Sweden’s large banks, after which it quickly became the payment method of choice not just for individuals but also small businesses looking to sidestep credit card fees. As NS Banking has reported, “Swish has been a driving force behind Sweden’s digital payments revolution, which has pushed the country ever closer to becoming a cashless society.” This growing trend away from cash has also led the Riksbank to consider replacing Sweden’s official currency, the kronor, with a state-issued electronic money, the e-krona.

In a recent statement, the Riksbank revealed that the e-krona pilot program is to last until at least 2021. The initiative is meant to determine whether the electronic money can actually make for a viable alternative to cash and, in doing so, help make transactions simpler, more accessible to everyone, and more user-friendly for individuals, businesses, and banks. If it proves successful, Sweden will become the world’s first country to debut a central bank digital currency, or CBDC.

According to the test environment parameters, simulations will allow users to pay, deposit, or withdraw with e-krona. These can be achieved in one of three ways: with a mobile app, with a wearable like a smartwatch, or with a card.

Why is the Riksbank interested in forging ahead with the e-krona? Ever since Bitcoin was released in 2009, cryptocurrencies have been growing in popularity, with Facebook’s Libra being the latest contender for the top spot. The social media titan’s move into the cryptocurrency sector has sent red flags that the future of money might no longer be in the traditional control of centralized banks — unless those banks get on the digital bandwagon via CBDCs. And so, with the Riksbank’s testing of the e-krona, the Swedes can feel confident that no competing private currency alternative will weaken their nation’s currency, in terms of both “security and performance.”

But Reuters is also quick to point out that “central bankers fret that Libra could reach billions and quickly erode sovereignty over monetary policy.” In other words, these central bankers fear that individual countries might no longer have exclusive legal control over their respective national currencies. Instead, if Libra takes hold as the dominant currency of choice, then Facebook will have more sway, than, say the Swedish government on monetary policy. To guard against this, the central banks of several different countries will have no choice but to explore CBDCs.

A 2019 study published by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has stated that “across the world, central banks are reportedly thinking about how new central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) could replace traditional money.” At that time, the number of central banks exploring CBDC was 63, “representing jurisdictions covering close to 80 percent of the world population.”

Meanwhile, the Global Government Forum emphasized that the central banks at the forefront of CBDC development include (alphabetically) the Bank of Canada, Bank of England, Bank of Japan, Swedish Riksbank, the Swiss National Bank, European Central Bank, and the Bank for International Settlements. But Sweden’s now deployed e-krona pilot program puts it slightly ahead of the pack, bringing it “closer to being the first major country to launch a central bank digital currency (CBDC).”

The post Swedish Central Bank Debuts Program to Test-Run e-Krona Digital Currency first appeared on Dornob.

The owner of a 1938 brick townhouse in Washington D.C. wanted to put solar panels on his roof, but the city’s Historic Preservation Office refused. Board member and architect Chris Landis said that he “[applauded the owner’s] greenness and desire to save the planet. And I realize that we are in crisis, politically as well as sustainably. But I just have this vision of a row of houses with solar panels on the front of them and it just — it upsets me, as somebody who’s supposed to protect the architectural fabric of the neighborhood.”

This stance isn’t uncommon, and as efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change ramp up, battles like this will probably only increase. Some people may find it jarring to see solar panels on full display atop historic structures, but there isn’t always an easy way to disguise them. And, with the planet in the state it’s in — why should we?

This new development of prefabricated row houses certainly isn’t historic, but it proudly puts solar power front and center. The more we see this kind of design in action, the more ridiculous protests against installing them on any type of building will seem. Created by Street Monkey Architects, these custom-designed houses in Örebro, Sweden feature angled roofs that place solar panels in a visible location to capture as much sunlight as possible.

The point of these houses is to make them as environmentally friendly as can be, including off-site fabrication that reduces waste and impact at the construction site. Even better, each module arrived at the site with fully finished walls, bathrooms, and kitchens.

The firm explains that: “Our first row-house project was within commuting distance to Stockholm in a city called Upplands Väsby. The project is composed of seven row houses, and they sold out in less than two weeks. It was built with passive house principles and solar panels, which make it extremely energy efficient and, as a result, it won a sustainability award from the municipality. So it is not surprising that the client wanted to duplicate it in another location.”

“The other location turned out to be Örebro, Sweden, and it was more urban site than the one in Upplands Väsby. It was also a corner lot in contrast to the Upplands Väsby site, which was flanked by a park and a forest. We wanted to design for this change without changing the construction of the prefabricated modules. We did so by customizing the roof and by using the same facade materials in different ways. The result gave us three versions of the same house. In the park setting, we lowered the roof to soften the volume, and we used white plaster and wood ribs over steel for the facades… [therefore] the benefits of off-site production and repetition are reaped but the project is still contextualized.”

Obviously, there’s a huge contrast between these modern row houses and the historic ones found in places like Washington D.C., and preserving historic structures is certainly important (and usually, much more sustainable than demolishing them to build something flimsier). It’s also important to remember that preservationists help prevent design atrocities like Victorian houses with hideous 1970s retrofits. But on solar panels, at least, it’s in the best interest of everyone to soften our ideas of what’s “too ugly” or “too contemporary” to include.

The post These Modern Prefab Row Houses Were Made for Solar Power first appeared on Dornob.

The Arctic Bath is a holistic spa focused on healthy eating, exercise, relaxation, and time in nature. Every element of the spa and surrounding area is designed with these things in mind. Relying solely on products from the all-natural Kerstin Florian product line, treatments here range from facials and body scrubs to massages and pedicures. They even provide swimwear and robes to use during your stay.

Visitors wishing to stay the night (or several) at the Arctic Bath can choose from a variety of lodging options, each offering their own experience. The cabin, elevated above the forest floor, is an apartment that sleeps five in its main floor and loft areas. Even better, it boasts a spiral staircase and vegetation-lined walkways that maximize the guests’ connection to nature.

The suite is another land option that sleeps two, and it’s similarly perched on poles above the shoreline. For a water experience, the spa also offer more traditional hotel-style rooms that actually float on the water, connected to land by nothing but a floating walkway.

Of course, healthy, organic dining makes up a key part of the holistic health and wellness regimen. With that in mind, the chefs at the spa’s on-site restaurant serve locally-sourced Scandinavian food around the clock. You can meet up in the bar for a drink before dinner or imbibe during dinner with local beer and wine selections. If you’re not much of a drinker, don’t worry: they also offer a great selection of smoothies. And no one has to worry about what to order for dinner, since the chefs offer a pre-fixed menu based on the ingredients that are available during your stay.

When you’re not too busy getting pampered, you’ll find there are ample opportunities to experience the culture of the surrounding area, rich in history and home to the Sámi people for more than 10,000 years. And not only will you learn about the indigenous lifestyle, you’ll also help them herd reindeer, be serenaded by their songs, and share a three-course meal prepared over an open fire. To explore the depths of the area’s natural elements, you can sign up for an ice fishing excursion, or even cross dog sledding off your bucket list. You can also elect to take guided or unguided nature hikes, wildlife photography or viewing treks, or explore the nearby ecopark. If you’re a fitness buff, you can get your heart pumping with snow cycling or snowshoeing before heading back to the warmth of your room.

The Arctic Bath is more than a spa, it’s a travel experience that simultaneously facilitates health and wellness and a deeper appreciation for the planet. The grand opening is currently slated for January 2020.

All photos courtesy of Johann Kauppi

The post Eco-Friendly Arctic Spa All Set for 2020 Opening first appeared on Dornob.

A massive cultural shift in work-life balance would be the ideal solution, but let’s be real, we probably aren’t getting that anytime soon. Instead, some companies are working to make our offices more like homes away from home. That doesn’t mean we can bring our cats to work, binge Netflix, or walk around in our underwear, but changing the vibe of a space really can go a long way toward making us feel more focused, energized, and content.

Scandinavian Spaces is one of the companies working to improve the well-being of employees through design. That means producing office furniture, lighting, and decorative accessories that address many of the complaints people tend to have about their workplaces.

Their recently revealed “Hut Lounge Collection” is a great example. Created for Swedish brand Götessons, the pieces offer mini rooms within actual rooms so employees can retreat to a protected, relaxed space to concentrate or rest.

Of course, there is a layer of rat race irony here: the sound absorbing house-shaped modules are inspired by imagery from the board game Monopoly (which was, in point of little-known fact, originally invented by a woman with the intent of drawing attention to inequality). But the effect is a nice one. If you work in a place that doesn’t offer a quiet place to withdraw, you can imagine how useful such a space might be.

The Scandinavian Spaces teams explains: “The Hut Lounge Collection offers convenient and comfortable spaces that suit many purposes. Combine The Hut Lounge with two benches and create an area for brainstorming, relaxed work, or a place for a short nap. Think outside the box and use pieces freely and in fun constellations. Mix and match the Free Bench with the Square Bench in an open zone, or create an entire lounge area with different sized huts and benches — whatever suits you. Thanks to the wheels attached to all of the benches, everything can be moved with ease.”

Another version of the hut encloses a desk with built-in outlets, so two or three people can work together without being too distracted by what’s going on in the rest of the room. You can also tuck a single desk inside it and enclose one wall, creating an even more private space that’s far superior to the average cubicle. Add glass doors and benches, and you’ll have yourself an intimate meeting room.

Other complementary products by Scandinavian Spaces include The Office Nap, an upholstered bean bag chair, active ergonomic seating in the form of Office Ballz, and “Bob Job” lounge modules.

It’ll never be your own familiar couch in your own home, surrounded by your own things within arm’s reach of your own refrigerator, but for some people, that can be a good thing, right?

The post Scandinavian Spaces Makes the Workplace Feel More Like Home first appeared on Dornob.

Design Bar, Note Design Studio

Swedish design firm Note was invited to create the Design Bar, a restaurant and bar within the fair that aims to highlight a particular Nordic designer. In a romantic palette of pinks, blushes, and burgundys, the Design Bar exemplifies the best that Scandinavian design has to offer: class, purpose, and generosity. With the idea of making a warm and inviting zone to contrast the harsh Swedish winter outside, Note created a variety of seating areas, from round tables with plush seating, to linear bars upholstered with woven fabrics, attended to by wood and leather high stools, all immaculately detailed.

Maissi Bench, Studio Kaksikko

Finnish design firm Studio Kaksikko presented their Maissi Bench, an exercise in precision and craftsmanship. The bench is a purist’s dream, with asymmetrical, curved rails and a simple wooden plane for the seat evoking the stair balustrades and industrial pipes on which the bench was modeled.

Prison Furniture Prototypes, University of Bergen Students

A slightly unusual, yet highly commendable, set of furniture was debuted at the design festival. Students from Bergen’s faculty of design worked with staff from Norway’s correctional services to create a range of furniture designed to be more hospitable to inmates. A curved daybed aims to promote relaxation, a twin-backed chair offers to ease anxiety post-release by “hugging” the user, and a minimal standing lamp has been created with an easy design that can be replicated in a prison workshop.

Best Stand, Kinnarps

British office-furniture designers Kinnarps took away the prize for best stand. Their multi-platform construction was clad in blue, semi-opaque panels and acted as a testament to the brand’s 75 year history. The stand won for what the judges considered its reinforcement of the brand’s core identity, the fundamental purpose of a stand at a trade fair.

Outdoor Furniture, Tom Fereday

Australian-born industrial designer Tom Fereday channeled his outdoor lifestyle to create a collection of sturdy, durable and water-resistant chairs and a table designed for outside use. Created for Australian brand SP01, the furniture adheres to principles of honesty in their design. The chairs are formed by overlapping slender strands of metal wire to form ergonomic shells.

The post 2017 Stockholm Furniture and Light Fair first appeared on Dornob.

Prior to this adaptive reuse project, which was completed in 2016, the former freight depot was little more than a shell of its former self. Roofless, surrounded by weeds and shrubs, and overrun with high grass, the building was skeletal. As it withered away, newer buildings were bringing the neighborhood into the 21^st century. When Martin and Nina Totté Karyd eventually purchased it, they saw an opportunity to use the remaining components and transform the freight depot into what they called a “food lover’s paradise.”

Wingårdhs‘ solution was to mirror the gable form of the existing brick shell and create a replica clad in weathering steel on an adjacent space. A strip of glass wraps the junction between the old and new parts like a ribbon around a gift. One side of the extension draws people in by acting as a canopy. The result is an enclosed 16,145 square-foot food market that feels like it’s been around for decades — but it is still a contemporary food market nonetheless. A public square for farmers markets and events and a seating area make up other parts of the site.

The use of weathering steel acknowledges the industrial history of that part of Malmö. The façade of the extension consists solely of steel profiles standing side by side, and corrugated steel is applied within the flanges.

The interior boasts a simple layout of well-articulated stalls and cafés. The neutral colors (particularly the black ceiling) give businesses the opportunity to change their identities as often as they wish.

At Malmö Saluhall, romanticizing the old is a delicious experience of colors, smells, and tastes. There’s just something about fruits, vegetables, and bread in a rustic setting that makes sense — even when that setting is a little more urban than usual. Despite its familiar presentation of fresh produce, this is not a formulaic project. The initial brick shell of the freight depot was the inspiration for the newer steel extension. As one building, they express the character of a once-industrial neighbourhood. Formulaic would have been ignoring the ruin and putting the market in a glass box.

The post Malmö Saluhall: From Ruin to Food Market first appeared on Dornob.

After all, the impulse to customize our furniture doesn’t have to manifest itself as something that looks like a child’s drawing or an amateur craft project. Most furniture is designed to be used as-is, but this trio of objects from Stoft Studio actively encourages your inner artist and invites you to give them your own individual touch.

The Swedish design studio presents “Canvas Chair,” “Blank Table,” and “Dear Disaster,” a group of furnishings that you can customize in various ways. The seat of the Canvas Chair functions as an embroidery hoop, so you can cover the cushion with the fabric of your choice, weave something special for it, or maybe add some cross-stitching. The Blank Table features two sheets of tempered glass in a light ash wood frame, allowing you to highlight works of art, press some flowers, or paint directly on its surface.

“Blank is a kind of homage to the time in a production process, a compromise in the form of a product where both worlds are possible,” says Stoft. “Like a blank paper ready to be filled, allowing for the unique.”

The third object, Dear Disaster, is a set of two birch wood cabinets containing more than 800 wooden parts that can be individually flipped to reveal a colorfully-painted backside. Flip as many or as few as you like in whatever patterns you can come up with for a painterly look. The point, says Stoft, is to “give an outlet through which the user can express his emotions and on which he can leave his own individual imprint.”

The Canvas Chair is available in three variations: a textured canvas model by textile design duo Butler/Lindgård entitled “Goosebumps,” a leather hide one by the Tärnsjö tannery, and a woven surface one by the Klässbols Linen Weaving Mill (all based in Sweden). All of these designs aim to put the unique qualities of their textiles on display within the embroidery hoop frame, leaving the chair’s raw edges visible. Of course, you could always just insert the fabric of your choice.

“A few decades ago, textile craft was the woman’s area of expertise and a lot of effort was being put into making durable products for the family,” says Stoft of the Canvas Chair. “Focus lied in making textiles that would last through time, but they were often also very beautifully decorated. Today a lot of knowledge of different craft techniques has been forgotten and most people don’t know how to value the time-consuming art of making a textile weave or a natural tanned leather hide. Canvas is a tribute to the slow and to the handmade. By using the upholstery in a respectful yet playful way, we want to show the authenticity of the material and the craft that lies behind.”

The post Turn Your Furniture Into Art With the Canvas Chair & Blank Table first appeared on Dornob.

When you’re downsizing into a space-challenged apartment, getting rid of a bunch of stuff is the first step, but actually, living there on a day-to-day basis ultimately requires all sorts of space-maximizing tricks and hacks. Sometimes that means resorting to methods like storing clothes in a rarely-used oven or building a sleeping loft so shallow you better hope you don’t sit bolt upright in the middle of the night, but some crafty designers and DIYers have managed to come up with integrated solutions that look great, especially considering the diminutive dimensions of each room.

This Swedish apartment spent 30 years as a storage space for furniture, and in the 1980s, underwent the beginnings of a renovation before the owner’s illness halted the work. The space was left untouched until his death, and went up for sale in 2012. What the buyers saw when they walked in was grim: half-removed wallpaper peeling down to the floor, a kitchen faucet sticking out of one wall, a handful of tiles and rats in the bathroom.

But despite the fact that the space wasn’t exactly move-in ready, they saw potential for an affordable apartment close to all the shops, restaurants, job opportunities and other perks of inner Stockholm. They hired Karin Matz Arkitekt to envision a new interior setup that would keep the space one big open room while fitting in a full kitchen, living room, dining area and bedroom with plenty of space for all their clothes.

On top of that, they wanted a walk-in closet, all of the standard appliances that can be found in any modern apartment, a luxuriously large bathroom with a tub, flexibility in the use of all the spaces and an airy feeling – all on a tight budget. That’s a tall order for any architect, but what Matz delivered is an unexpected built-in room-within-a-room that meets all of the couple’s expectations.

Matt used Ikea kitchen units as the basis for both the kitchen itself and the adjacent lofted bedroom, which elevates the king-sized bed platform over the walk-in closet and a cabinet full of folded garments. A large, clear pane of glass separates the bed from the kitchen to maintain views through the window and allow daylight to penetrate the entire space. In the kitchen, a long stretch of countertop connects from the stovetop to another small cabinet unit, enabling the residents to use it like a bar.

Opposite the built-in, the other side of the room is left open, with plenty of space for free movement, but it’s easy to imagine this setup working for even smaller apartments lacking that living and dining area, so long as you don’t mind looking down on your partner as they cook. The glass pane gives a new meaning to the phrase ‘breakfast in bed,’ but a curtain panel could always used to provide privacy when desired.

The post Sleeping in the Kitchen? Unusual Layout for a Tiny Apartment first appeared on Dornob.

Keeping a Stockholm residence balmy enough for lush greenery and outdoor lounging year-round is generally impossible – unless you sheath the entire house and a slice of the yard in a gigantic greenhouse. That’s exactly what homeowners Charles Sacilotto and Marie Grammar did with their timber-clad home, creating a natural warming effect powerful enough to get the interior to reach 68 degrees Fahrenheit when it’s less than 29 degrees outside.

The couple purchased the home as-is and built the glass envelope around it. Made of 4-millimeter security glass, it’s strong enough to stand up to the elements, and won’t become dangerous if it shatters. This outer layer also enables the family to hang out on their rooftop terrace in any weather, even when it’s raining, while gazing up at the sky. That’s something that most of us in even the most temperate climates can’t do.

The greenhouse produces a Mediterranean-like climate within its walls and reduces energy bills by as much as 50 percent. Of course, anyone living in an area that gets warm summer temperatures is going to immediately imagine this thing turning into a solar cooker for many months each year, and to counteract that, you’d ideally add a complex system of automatic ventilation and solar shades. But once you’re doing all that, it kind of defeats the purpose, so let’s just say this idea is really only for unusually cold climates.

This extra-large, home-enclosing greenhouse is not completely self-sufficient, requiring a little bit of heater supplementation during the most frigid months of the year. But it’s an interesting (and pretty cool-looking) way to live a nature-connected indoor-outdoor life, even when you live close to the Arctic Circle. And it’s not hard to imagine ideas like this becoming necessary if climate change makes much of the warmest parts of the earth completely uninhabitable in the not-so-distant future.

The post An Enormous Greenhouse Built Over a House Keeps it Balmy Year-Round first appeared on Dornob.

Natural light can make or break a living space, especially when you’ve got a limited amount of square footage to work with. The generous ceiling height and top-floor location of this Gothenburg, Sweden apartment more than make up for its small size, enabling the creation of a lofted workspace on top of the bedroom and a skylight that illuminates both levels of the residence.

A minimalist spiraling staircase takes you above the bedroom to a glass-floored mezzanine level beneath the oversized 64-square-foot skylight. Keep going up the stairs, spring the hatch and you’ll emerge onto the building’s roof. During the day, as the sun travels overhead, this upper level is flooded with natural light, making it ideal for use as a studio.

The glass floor brings the light all the way down into the bedroom. The adjacent living room, equipped with a wood-burning stove, opens to a bright and cheerful kitchen and an additional bedroom with a library ladder offering access to a lofted storage area. Bright white walls throughout the apartment are anchored by black flooring and timber beams.

The post Scandinavian Skylights: Bright and Airy Loft Apartment first appeared on Dornob.

A glass floor above the foyer of this stunning loft in Stockholm visually connects two stories and lets natural light stream through both spaces, ensuring that the master bedroom in the attic still feels open to the rest of the home. The result is very high end modern Scandinavian, with a luxe look.

Design firm Tradition painted the walls and ceilings white to enhance that sense of openness, accenting the interiors with warm wood flooring and stainless steel details. The result is unusually reflective even without the use of mirrors, sending light bouncing off virtually every surface for a clean and cheerful effect.

The ground floor of the 1,260-square-foot loft on scenic Norrbackagatan Street houses the kitchen, dining room, bathroom, home office and second bedroom, while the upstairs is a suite in which the furniture situated on the glass floor seems to float.

The transitional glass wall between the master bedroom and this space helps to tie the theme together, but if you’re afraid of heights, it might also function as a psychological barrier. Some people might find it hard to relax on a couch that’s sitting directly on glass, gazing down at the room below.

The glass wall within the A-frame of the attic also sections off the bedroom to soundproof the space without closing it off from the lounge area just outside, which enjoys views of the kitchen and dining area.

Maintaining a single color palette and bringing rustic reclaimed wood into other areas of the home, like the ceiling beams in the bathroom and the kitchen countertops, helps create a harmonious feel throughout the space. Overall, this home feels bright, modern, airy and slightly adventurous with a dash of voyeurism to make it unique. Would you enjoy sitting on the glass floor above, or would it make you feel squeamish?

The post Glass Ceiling: Unique Transparent Design Fills Loft with Light first appeared on Dornob.