DAPstockholm’s Energy-Efficient Villa Midgard is Nestled Into the Swedish Countryside

Swedish firm <a href="http://dapstockholm.se/press/">DAPstockholm</a> designed <a href="http://dapstockholm.se/projects/midgard/">Villa Midgard</a> - a modern single-family residence inspired by the natural materiality of its site outside of Stockholm.The clients wanted the home to be secluded and immersed in its natural surroundings so that they could enjoy the sound of rain playing off the roof or the morning sun hitting their beds. This prompt allowed the architects to explore the nature of the sloping site and the materials that formed it. As a result, the building has seven different facades which respond to the three dramatic factors of the site: the lighting, the terrain, and the views.

Villa Midgard sits nestled into a site cut out of the rocky terrain of a hillside. As visitors approach the site, they are met by a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/green-roof/">green-roofed</a> garage that appears to grow from the rock of the earth.

The north side of the home features a dark concrete pool cut into the rock as if it were naturally formed.

A limestone walkway leads to the first façade of the home, which is marked by a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/modern-coreten-steel-home-cuts-through-a-historic-railroad-cottage-in-the-netherlands/">Corten Steel</a> volume hanging high above the first floor, which is clad in wood screening.

A stairway leads to the subterranean floor which is covered by a slate exterior.

The windows, which seem to pop in at random angles of each facade, help to bring natural daylight into the home. The views are also very important, and each twist of the building's floor plan is strategic because of these views.

All of these durable materials allow the client to have a low-maintenance home away from the city that can provide a relaxing escape at a moment’s notice.

A window into the pool creates an interesting view from one of the seven facades.

The playful colors of the tiles in the bathroom give the home character and a sense of self-expression.

Inside Villa Midgard the modern aesthetic is continued throughout the clean and sharp lines of the walls, cabinets, and stairs. Rich, dark woods bring warmth to an interior that seems austere at first blush.

All-in-all, the home’s interior design responds well to natural <a href="http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=daylighting">daylighting </a>and the sustainability of the materials.

The home really evolves from the surrounding forest and mountain landscape. The home becomes not only a work of art but a work of the land.

<big><a href="http://dapstockholm.se/">+ DAPstockholm</a></big>