H-Shaped House Designed By The Wind The Views

The H House is a residence shaped by the climate and the location. The site on which it stands is situated in Trosa, Sweden and is facing the ocean, providing wonderful views and creating the perfect opportunity for a strong relation with the outdoors.

H-House by Widjedal Racki Bergerhoff

H-House by Widjedal Racki Bergerhoff armchairs

The house offers a total of 240 square meters of living space, a third of which comes in the form of outdoor spaces protected by a roof. The construction was completed in 2006 and was a project by Stockholm-based architecture firm Widjedal Racki Bergerhoff.

It was important to capture the magnificent views of the ocean and surroundings but the architects also were concerned about the climate. In this area, the summers are short and light and harsh winds pose problems most of the year.

H-House by Widjedal Racki Bergerhoff Bedroom

The H shape of the residence was strategically chosen as a way to deal with the climate and views. It provides an intimate courtyard that’s protected from the winds. The courtyard can be accessed from every room of the house through large sliding doors.

The overall design is simple and so is the palette of materials. The architects used concrete, rusty steel, untreated pine wood and glass, the result being a design that’s a bit country-style, a bit industrial and a bit modern.

The main deck is sheltered under a roof and has an open fireplace which makes the colder spring and fall days a bit warmer and more enjoyable, allowing the inhabitants to spend more time outdoors and to prolong the summer.

H-House by Widjedal Racki Bergerhoff design

H-House by Widjedal Racki Bergerhoff polished concrete

H-House by Widjedal Racki Bergerhoff lake view

H-House by Widjedal Racki Bergerhoff wood storage

H-House by Widjedal Racki Bergerhoff porch

H-House by Widjedal Racki Bergerhoff pool

A strong relationship was established from the start between the indoor and outdoor spaces and between the building and the nature and views surrounding it.

The interior is welcoming and cozy, despite the sometimes raw appearance. Polished concrete floors define the social areas, a design choice meant to offer a seamless connection with the decks and outdoor spaces and to maintain an overall simple and organic look.

The private bedroom zone has its own unique character. This area is also elevated and has dark wooden flooring which gives it a warmer feel. Large glass walls and sliding doors let the outdoors in, revealing the adjacent courtyard and deck. The bedroom suite also features a sunken tub facing the courtyard.