This fabulous summer retreat was designed by Olson Kundig Architects, situated in the seaside community of Dalarö, a recreational summer spot just southeast of Stockholm, Sweden. The architects devised this dwelling to be sensitive to the surrounding terrain. Gently nestled into the hillside, the home is approached from above via a flagstone pathway, acting as a waypoint in the journey to the water and docks below.

The home’s core volume encompasses a great room and open kitchen, with bedrooms and bathrooms occupying either end of the bar. Here, oak floors, casework, and ceilings complement exposed concrete walls and add to the feel of a weathered beach house. Clerestory windows invite natural light deep into the home to foster a bright interior experience.

Residential storefront glazing offers panoramic views of the rocks and water below and enables the dining room to spill onto the terrace, embracing an easy flow between indoor and outdoor living areas. 

A natural outcropping of granite frames and embraces Dalarö House, with part of the home tucked into this formation. Hardscaping surrounds and intersects with the rock, making it as much a part of the experience as the prospect views.

Ties to the landscape are further strengthened by the extensive use of natural elements, such as pine siding with a traditional Scandinavian finish and a green roof.

Dalarö House shares its property with the historic Strindberg Cottage, the one-time residence of Swedish writer and painter Johan August Strindberg. Although the structures speak different architectural languages, the entry sequence of Dalarö House echoes the color of the cottage.

Known as falun red, this local pigment is used throughout the region’s villages and homes. The west wing of the new home was also shifted back to create a corner window, framing a south-facing view of the historic cottage.

What We Love: This modern retreat in Sweden provides a welcoming respite for summer getaways on the water. We love the material palette in this home, a beautiful mix of concrete, glass, and wood. The use of wood helps to add warmth to this otherwise modern refuge. Expansive walls of glazing capture idyllic waterside views, providing a feeling of tranquility. Overall, a well-designed home with a strong indoor-outdoor connection and and a seamless integration into its natural surroundings for a serene seaside escape.

Tell Us: What elements in this home do you like most and what would you change if this were your personal residence? Let us know in the Comments below!

Note: Be sure to have a look at a couple of other incredible home tours that we have highlighted here on One Kindesign in the country of Sweden: Serene Scandinavian house offers a sanctuary in the wilderness of Sweden and Compact yet bright and airy warehouse style apartment in Sweden.

A feature concrete wall, unique for this region, anchors one side of the great room; the mass of the wall flows from exterior to interior and back outside, framing an outdoor shower as well as interior and exterior fireplaces.

The oak floors and ceilings bring warmth to the glazed walls and exposed concrete.

Floor-to-ceiling walls of glazing in the great room help to frame views of the vast seaside beyond.

This light-filled bedroom is clad with timber on the floor, walls, and ceiling, bringing warmth into this space.

Expansive walls of glazing blur the lines between indoors and out. This home office frames views of the water.

A flagstone pathway leads to wooden steps that traverse the hillside and descend to the boat dock.

PHOTOGRAPHER Magnus Mårding