A Cottage Renovation in the Gothenburg Archipelago

Originally built in the 1950s and extended in the 70s, this Swedish cottage was renovated by Johannes Norlander Arkitektur back in 2010. The seaside home is on an island in the Gothenburg archipelago, where it sees both waterfront and forest. Clad in plywood, the simple house is treated with black pine tar, like a boat might be according to the traditional Norwegian technique. Similarly, the rooftop is covered in tar paper and stretches out with plywood eaves and aluminum gutters. Connecting the indoor and outdoor spaces, there is a deck as well as sliding glass doors, nice-sized windows, and a skylight. The interior is naturally finished and furnished with local pine wood designs such as the built-in seating and storage and the open shelves underneath the sink. Though utilitarian, the rooms have a rustic, minimalist charm that counterbalances the lush surrounding landscape.

Photography by Rasmus Norlander