Villa Asknäs by Reppen Vilson: A Dialogue Between Renovation and Renewal

At Ekerö, just thirty minutes from Stockholm, Villa Asknäs by Reppen Vilson redefines what architectural continuity can mean. This 350-square-meter residence is a profound example of how renovation and extension can coexist harmoniously, merging the soul of a 1960s home with the needs and aesthetics of contemporary Scandinavian living.

Reconnecting Past and Present

Originally built in the 1960s and modified in the 1990s and early 2000s, the property presented both promise and complexity. Instead of opting for demolition, the architects and clients chose the more sustainable path: preserve, extend, and transform. This decision was rooted in environmental responsibility, economic mindfulness, and respect for the building's spatial character.

A careful preliminary study determined that maintaining the existing structure would not only reduce material waste but also allow the design to evolve in conversation with its own history. The resulting composition is a serene architectural statement that honors the past while making space for the future.

Composition: Five Volumes, One Home

The structure unfolds as five distinct volumes—three smaller existing ones framed by two new, taller additions. This arrangement bridges the old and new, uniting them in a rhythm of balance and contrast. The larger western extension houses a double-height living room opening onto the garden, while more intimate, two-level spaces occupy the rear zone.

A central balcony overlooks the double-height area, connecting upper rooms visually and spatially. The kitchen, once the former living room, now lies at the heart of the layout—organizing circulation and intersecting flows throughout the home. The design reflects the clients' wish for a layout that feels like a single-story home, encouraging seamless movement and spontaneous encounters.

Transparency and Spatial Flow

Running along the southern garden side, a continuous sequence—or enfilade—links the living room, intermediate rooms, and office/dining spaces at the eastern end. Floor-to-ceiling glazing along this strip opens toward the garden and forest beyond, transforming light, shadow, and landscape into architectural elements.

This spatial rhythm—described as “rooms in a lane”—is highlighted by expressive material contrasts. Stained, knot-free pine defines thresholds, openings, and moldings, its warm tone offset against concrete floors and neutral walls. In the double-height living room, the same pine panels line both walls and ceiling, creating a tactile, cohesive interior that radiates warmth and Nordic calm.

The Material Palette: Nature as Narrative

Externally, the five volumes are unified by green-painted spruce paneling. The panel widths vary—narrow for smaller forms, wider for the larger—to subtly differentiate massing while maintaining cohesion. This deliberate modulation reflects Reppen Vilson’s sensitivity to proportion and craftsmanship.

The muted green tone merges naturally with the forested context, allowing Villa Asknäs to blend rather than dominate. Terraces strategically step down from the interior to the garden, forming gentle transitions between indoor and outdoor zones. A chimney with dual indoor and outdoor fireplaces extends the living room’s atmosphere onto the terrace, weaving comfort and nature together.

Sustainable Design Philosophy

Sustainability lies at the heart of Villa Asknäs. Preserving the original structure minimized demolition and construction waste while conserving embodied energy. Locally sourced materials—spruce, pine, and concrete—were chosen for their durability and tactile quality.

Daylight optimization, passive solar gain, and energy-efficient lighting systems (from Hidealite) reduce environmental impact. Simple forms, natural finishes, and long-lasting materials ensure longevity without sacrificing beauty—a reflection of Scandinavian ecological minimalism at its best.

A Unified Nordic Expression

Every architectural gesture in Villa Asknäs contributes to a cohesive whole. From the green facade nestled in nature to the textural pine interiors, the house whispers rather than shouts—celebrating craftsmanship, connection, and continuity.

Reppen Vilson’s approach exemplifies the Swedish design ethos: clarity, restraint, and intimacy. Villa Asknäs stands not as a monument of new construction but as a lesson in architectural empathy—how to let a place evolve with time while keeping its essence alive.

All the photographs are works of Reppen Vilson, Johan Dehlin