Scandinavian House

The challenge was clear: to convert a historic wine store in the heart of a picturesque town into a contemporary family home, blending the raw industrial charm of a New York loft with the minimalist elegance of Scandinavian design.  

Spanning four floors, from vaulted cellars to a lofty ceilinged upper space, the building’s transformation was anchored by the introduction of two striking staircases. The first, a sleek combination of open Douglas fir treads and a painted steel frame, connects the ground floor to the first. Above it, a truly dramatic statement piece takes centre stage – a birch ply staircase suspended by long steel rods, appearing to float beneath the towering ceiling.  

The house now flows with a modern, open-plan layout, with carefully crafted partitions introduced to create four serene bedrooms on the upper levels. A two-story glass screen floods the rear of the home with light, creating a seamless connection to the outdoors. The historic stonework has been painstakingly restored, while the original floorboards on the first and second floors were expertly refurbished, preserving the character of the space.  

Achieving exceptional airtightness in this historic structure was perhaps the project’s most demanding triumph. By installing advanced membranes throughout the roof and around every window and door, we overcame the notorious air loss that often plagues old buildings. Coupled with a cutting-edge mechanical ventilation heat recovery system (MVHR), the home maintains a controlled airflow that significantly boosts energy efficiency and minimises the need for heating – a rare feat for a building of its age.  

This visionary project was a close collaboration with the architect, who was creating his own future home. The result is an extraordinary dwelling that balances old and new with effortless sophistication. Nestled on the town’s central street, it stands as a bold yet harmonious addition to its historic architectural tapestry.