Hönshuset is an old chicken house in a family homestead for summer use, located in the Swedish archipelago outside of Stockholm.
As new generations are settling on the plot, increasing in numbers, the compound is going through refurbishments, transformations, and new builds.
Hönshuset represents the first phase, transforming from a chicken house into a 60 m² cabin for two newly minted parents.
The clients' ideal outcome would house two bedrooms, internal vertical circulation, a bathroom, and a kitchen/living room to relax
The two generous bedrooms demanded an efficient solution with minimum space wasted for circulation. As the existing window maintains a direct view towards the sea, an added balcony provides a private get-away space for the parents in the evening sun, as well as protecting the main entrance underneath
About the staircase
Previously, the vertical circulation was external, but bringing it inside was necessary to enhance comfort. Stairs longitudinal to the building interior would have consumed too much of the upper floor to allow for two bedrooms, forcing us to climb transversally in the plan. With only 4,45 m from wall-to-wall, we made a "samba stair" with a 90* turn in the base. Permeable slats allow for daylight to enter the staircase while making it appear wider, as well as connecting it to the living room.
Previously, the vertical circulation was external, but bringing it inside was necessary to enhance comfort. Stairs longitudinal to the building interior would have consumed too much of the upper floor to allow for two bedrooms, forcing us to climb transversally in the plan. With only 4,45 m from wall-to-wall, we made a "samba stair" with a 90* turn in the base. Permeable slats allow for daylight to enter the staircase while making it appear wider, as well as connecting it to the living room.
About the balcony
Several railings on the property will be changed over the next few years. In this event, we wanted to design a contemporary version of traditional, Scandinavian railings. Something that allows for new qualities, like transparency, irregularity, and elegance, while keeping its reminiscence to traditional railings.
Several railings on the property will be changed over the next few years. In this event, we wanted to design a contemporary version of traditional, Scandinavian railings. Something that allows for new qualities, like transparency, irregularity, and elegance, while keeping its reminiscence to traditional railings.
In contrast to conventional balusters on a straight row, the depth variation allows for diagonal views through the railing, making it appear lighter and more transparent. The lightness is further enhanced by removing bigger posts, as every other baluster is anchored to the terrasse with hidden L-profiles that elevate them from the humid decking.
Hönshuset Cabin is developed in collaboration with
Kanika H. Berg