Hee House by Studio Ellsinger: A Compact Vacation Home Design Rooted in Scandinavian Simplicity

A Minimalist Retreat on the Swedish West Coast

Tucked within the serene landscape of Hee, Sweden, the Hee House by Studio Ellsinger exemplifies the elegance of compact vacation home design. Located just south of Hamburgsund, this 56 m² retreat is a testament to architectural ingenuity, where spatial efficiency meets raw natural beauty. Surrounded by pine trees, granite outcrops, and meadow grasses, the home is crafted to respond both visually and functionally to the coastal environment’s rugged climate.

Designing with Climate and Landscape

The prevailing conditions of the Swedish West Coast—known for wind, rain, and seasonal harshness—shaped the home’s form and materials. The building is oriented directly along a north-south axis, shielding its northern façade from neighboring views and road noise, while opening fully to southern and eastern vistas of untouched fields and forest. This orientation not only maximizes privacy but allows daylight to flood the living spaces throughout the day.

The exterior is clad entirely in untreated aluminum sinus sheeting—on roof, gables, and the projecting canopy. The choice of metal ensures long-term durability and weather resistance while reflecting the light in changing ways, lending a dynamic character to the minimalist form.

Architectural Innovation in a 7x7 Meter Footprint

Although compact in footprint—just 7 by 7 meters—the house rises vertically to an equal height of 7 meters, leveraging volume to enhance the perception of space. To maintain uninterrupted interior sightlines, all roof loads are managed through a horizontal laminated timber frame. This eliminates the need for cross bracing or ceiling beams, creating an expansive vertical openness that is rare in small homes.

Interior Spatial Logic and Custom Detailing

Designed for a young couple with two children—both professionals in photography, writing, and design—the home is a deeply personal and bespoke environment. Every element is custom-made: from the external panels and windows to the cabinetry, furniture, and kitchen.

The interior is organized into two main volumes. On the ground floor, a generous living space flows into a compact but efficient hallway, bathroom, and bedroom. Above this sits a multifunctional loft, accessed via a sculptural wooden staircase. The loft includes a lounge for children, two integrated sleeping bunks, a sofa bed, and a workspace—offering privacy with the pull of a 4-meter-high curtain.

A Bookshelf That Organizes the Home

A standout feature is the full-width bookshelf that spans the main space. This element does far more than store books. It acts as a spatial divider, structural loft support, railing, fireplace surround, and kitchen storage. Its presence anchors the interior, reinforcing the home’s concept of compact living through multifunctional design.

Space for Guests in a Compact Footprint

Despite its size, the Hee House accommodates up to eight sleeping places, making it ideal for extended family visits. This surprising generosity in sleeping capacity further emphasizes the home’s thoughtful programming and flexible use of vertical space. It is not just a summer retreat—it is a fully functional, small-scale residence that celebrates material clarity, spatial honesty, and an intelligent response to site and lifestyle.

A Scandinavian Approach to Compact Living

The Hee House stands as a compelling case study in how small-scale residential architecture can feel expansive, warm, and highly customized. With its sharp focus on material quality, spatial layering, and light, it redefines expectations for what a vacation home can be. Studio Ellsinger has distilled the essence of compact vacation home design into a living structure that balances functionality, atmosphere, and personal expression—perfectly tuned to its Scandinavian context.

All Photographs are works of Christopher Hunt