Villa Lesslie by Studio Ålund: Harmonious Coastal Living in Särö, Sweden

Nestled on a historic plot overlooking the Kattegatt Sea, Villa Lesslie by Studio Ålund is a masterful blend of contemporary residential design and natural harmony. Located on land held by the Lesslie family for generations, this 200 m² coastal home is tailored for a young family of four, emphasizing connection with nature while offering modern comforts and functionality.

Perched on the highest point of the site, Villa Lesslie affords sweeping views over the treetops toward the sea, creating a serene and immersive environment. The design respects its historic and natural context, blending seamlessly with the Swedish west coast landscape.

Thoughtful Materiality and Coastal Durability

The villa’s material palette reflects both its environment and climate. The ground floor is clad in untreated spruce wood, naturally aging to a silvery patina that complements the gray granite bedrock typical of the region. The upper floor features durable gray aluminum cladding, chosen for its resilience against the humid, salty coastal climate while harmonizing with the natural surroundings.

Indoors, custom quarter-cut birch veneer panels line the entrance walls, providing warmth and referencing the surrounding forest. The honed concrete flooring, infused with local rock aggregate, evokes the texture and tone of the coastal landscape, grounding the home in its environment.

Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living

Villa Lesslie is designed to maximize natural light and create a sense of openness. The living room features a panoramic glass wall, offering unobstructed views of the old oak trees and connecting the interior with the garden. Architectural details such as the horizontal wooden ribbon paneling that encircles the house provide a distinctive character and a subtle play of shadows across the facade.

A thoughtfully designed hallway serves multiple purposes, connecting public and private areas while offering cozy reading niches. Every room opens to the terrace or garden, encouraging fluid indoor-outdoor living. A playful yet practical design feature is the window between the sauna and dining area, enhancing social interaction while adding charm to daily routines.

A Family-Centric Coastal Retreat

Villa Lesslie embodies the perfect balance of modern design, natural materiality, and functional family living. By integrating panoramic views, sustainable materials, and thoughtful spatial planning, Studio Ålund has created a home that feels at once intimate, playful, and deeply connected to its coastal context.

All photographs are works of Markus Linderoth, Fanny Jansson