Garden Stair House: Innovative Residential Extension by Anders Berensson Architects in Skurup, Sweden

Nestled on the serene south coast of Sweden, Garden Stair House is a striking extension to a 1960s vacation home, designed by Anders Berensson Architects. The project exemplifies contemporary residential architecture that seamlessly blends with complex natural terrain while enhancing social interaction and outdoor connectivity.

Design Concept

The extension draws inspiration from the existing building’s materials and colors, maintaining architectural harmony while embracing the site’s unique topography. The project leverages local height shifts and terrain variations, turning them into design opportunities that define the spatial experience.

A key feature of the design is the continuation of the garden stair into the house. On the exterior, the concrete stair gently ascends through the garden, while inside, it transforms into a multifunctional amphitheater. This innovative space is perfect for social gatherings, movie nights, or gaming sessions, fostering an engaging and flexible residential environment.

Architectural Features

• Slope Integration: The house follows the garden slope, allowing the concrete stairs to flow seamlessly into the interior space.
• Social Amphitheater: The stair becomes a central social area, enclosed with large glass panels that visually connect the interior with the garden.
• Cantilevered Roof: The entrance is sheltered by a cantilevered roof that protects the stair and creates a transitional indoor-outdoor common space.
• Bedrooms Carved into the Hill: The rear of the house is embedded into the hillside, featuring two bedrooms with a concrete foundation. Windows are positioned above ground level, offering unique views of the meadow, flowers, and insects.
• Loft and Viewing Platform: A loft space connects to a small viewing platform beneath an operable skylight, providing unobstructed ocean views for two people.

Materiality and Aesthetic

The design respects the original 1960s home, using consistent materials and colors while introducing modern interventions. Concrete, glass, and wood form the core palette, allowing the house to blend organically into its landscape.

Residential Experience Garden Stair House is more than an extension; it is a living space that encourages interaction with nature and social engagement. By integrating the garden stair into both interior and exterior spaces, the architects have created a home that is both functional and experiential, maximizing the potential of a compact 39 m² footprint.

 Anders Berensson Architects’ Garden Stair House exemplifies innovative residential design, where terrain, social functionality, and architectural continuity converge. The project is a model for creating small, adaptable, and visually connected homes in challenging landscapes.

All photographs are works of Anders Berensson & Per Helgesson