Claesson koivisto rune designs the 'fagerstrom house' as a secluded residence on a small garden city plot in sollentuna, sweden. the focal point of the yard is a singular oak tree, around which the dwelling bends like a sapling. bounded by property lines and setbacks, the form was conscious design decision to optimize the available space and respect the site's flora. its gentle curvature provides privacy from neighbors and creates a flow of activity through the home. shared family spaces are open to one another on the first floor.
This unity is echoed in the monolithic marble floor, laid perpendicular to the arc in a fanned pattern. one end of the volume consists of two stories with private rooms closed off from the rest of the house. to reach this level one processes along a contoured stair, accented in red. at the end of this floor, a balcony overlooks the living room, which then opens to the outdoors with a large picture window.
All of the openings are conscientiously placed to limit views to the neighbors. the few glazing areas are large, maximizing infiltration of daylight and views of the yard. the palette for the facade is informed by swedish children's book ‘where's the tall uncle’s hat?'. the result is a unique gradient composition of wooden boards varying in width according to the intensity of color from thin dark red to wide ochre that complements the change of season to autumn. the whole project is completed with a roof that slopes away from the street and the inner curve, sculpting a variety of sections from one end to the other.