Villa H – A Dream Home in Harmony with Nature
Sofia and Erik Högström, along with their three children, had long dreamed of building their own home. After years of renovation projects, they found the perfect plot in 2021 in the beautiful area of Saltsjö-Boo, near Stockholm, which still feels far removed from the city's hustle and bustle. Surrounded by pine forests, blueberry bushes, and large plots near the sea, it was an ideal location for the family’s dream house.
"We wanted a discreet yet spacious house that blended into nature. It shouldn't be ostentatious, but still luxurious," say Sofia and Erik. They chose to collaborate with Studio RAM, led by architect Ariel Ramirez, and together they began shaping the vision for their "forever home".
The Architect's Vision
Studio RAM's task was to create a home that balances robustness and beauty, with a clear connection to the surrounding nature. Inspirations came from Denmark and Brazil, where the meeting of nature and architecture is both sensual and timeless. Material choices were central to the process – concrete, glass, and walnut.
"We wanted to create a structure that is both raw and sophisticated. Concrete was replaced with cement render during the project, but the intent remained the same – a robust structure meeting soft details like walnut and sheer linen curtains," explains Ariel.
A Home for Life
For Sofia and Erik, it was important that their house not only be beautiful but also serve as a warm and welcoming home for their family. The ground floor features high ceilings with large glass sections that allow generous light and blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors. The floor is polished concrete with coarse aggregate and shadow gap, providing a raw and industrial feel softened by walnut panels and natural materials.
The kitchen, with its six-meter-long stainless steel island, is one of the house's most impressive features. The granite countertop, "Brown Fantasy," enhances the sense of natural elegance. The family chose sheer linen curtains to further soften the robust look and create a harmonious balance between hard and soft.
Upstairs, a more intimate and homely feel is created with wool carpet, lower ceilings, and light-painted walls. Here the family has their living quarters, with a focus on creating a warm and cosy atmosphere.
The Importance of Details
One of the most unique aspects of Villa H is the attention to detail, especially in the choice of doors. The Högström family chose Njord doors for their quality, flexibility, and affordability. The doors have concealed frames and minimalist handles, allowing them to blend into the walls and beautiful walnut panels. On the entrance level, they chose walnut doors matching the walls, while upstairs doors are painted the same colour as walls and ceilings. The sliding doors, reaching an impressive 2.9 meters high and 1.2 meters wide, provide a sense of solid quality and weight.
"We are incredibly pleased with the doors. They match perfectly with our walnut panels and create a cohesive impression that truly elevates the entire house," say Sofia and Erik.
The Final Result
Villa H is a home where architecture and nature meet harmoniously. By combining modern, raw materials with natural elements and a strong sense of detail, Sofia and Erik have created a home that is both stylish and warm. The architects at Studio RAM, along with builders from Cred AB, have realised the family's vision of a luxurious yet discreet home where every element interacts with its surroundings.
"We could never have dreamed the result would be this good," conclude Sofia and Erik.
Location: Saltsjö-Boo, Stockholm
Architect: Ariel Ramirez, Joana Oliveira, Studio RAM
Products: Walnut | Plain | Dörrkarm k03 | Dörrkarm k04 | Skjutdörr
Home: Sofia och Erik Högström med barnen Julie, Esther och Arvid
Photographer: Emma Jönsson Dysell | @emmajonssondysell