Architecture
Defining Scandinavian Architecture
Keen to embrace Scandi design in your new build or renovation? It's all about nature, light, function and comfort
Scandinavia doesn’t have the easiest of climates to live in. I’m talking near-24 hours of light for several months of the year; near-24 hours of dark for several months; plus the temperatures, snow, and sun that accompanies these extremes. To counter these harsh conditions, Scandinavian architects make a concerted effort to design houses that make living a little easier. They recognise the importance of light, nature and comfort, and design houses to be functional and modern, yet traditional and rustic.
So, if you are looking to bring a little Scandinavian style to the architecture of your house, here are some design characteristics that you should consider.
So, if you are looking to bring a little Scandinavian style to the architecture of your house, here are some design characteristics that you should consider.
Situated on the island of Gotland, one of Sweden’s most popular summer holiday spots, this Scandinavian home has been designed to recess into the natural environment. The exterior is rendered in the same colours as the trees that surround it. It is raised on steel columns to hover above the ground, minimising its footprint, and giving it the appearance of sitting lightly – and even temporarily – on the land.
Simplicity in design
The subtle beauty of Scandinavian architecture and design is in its simplicity. There is nothing superfluous, unnecessary or useless, as this summer house demonstrates. It is a simple composition with clean lines, basic shapes and solid colours.
See the rest of this Swedish holiday house
The subtle beauty of Scandinavian architecture and design is in its simplicity. There is nothing superfluous, unnecessary or useless, as this summer house demonstrates. It is a simple composition with clean lines, basic shapes and solid colours.
See the rest of this Swedish holiday house
Likewise, this Danish home is beautifully simple. Consisting of three buildings constructed around a courtyard, it draws on the form of traditional summerhouses with its steep pitched roof for snow falls.
Natural light
Natural light is important in Scandinavia, particularly in the winter months, as it contributes to wellbeing, happiness and productivity. Therefore, large full-length or oversize windows will line the sides of Scandinavian homes, capturing as much daylight as possible. Plus, windows are generally kept clear – definitely no heavy curtains.
Natural light is important in Scandinavia, particularly in the winter months, as it contributes to wellbeing, happiness and productivity. Therefore, large full-length or oversize windows will line the sides of Scandinavian homes, capturing as much daylight as possible. Plus, windows are generally kept clear – definitely no heavy curtains.
White and lightly coloured interiors – walls, floors, ceiling and other architectural features – maximise the feel of natural light. Additionally, open-plan layouts make homes look and feel lighter and brighter.
9 Ways to Get a White Living Room Right
9 Ways to Get a White Living Room Right
Natural materials
Timber and other natural materials are used to visually and physically warm architecture and interiors, functioning as natural insulators. Timber floors, panelled walls and stairs create warm spaces and a welcoming ambience.
Timber and other natural materials are used to visually and physically warm architecture and interiors, functioning as natural insulators. Timber floors, panelled walls and stairs create warm spaces and a welcoming ambience.
Functional and comfortable
As much as Scandinavians embrace the outdoors no matter what time of the year, there is much to be said for embracing the indoors too. So, like the exteriors of Scandinavian houses, the interiors are also characterised by simplicity – designed for functional and comfortable living.
This bedroom is a great example of functional and efficient Scandinavian design that is also comfortable. Here, built-in beds and shelving create a streamlined look and enhance the feeling of spaciousness, and therefore light and airiness.
How to Give Your Bedroom a Scandinavian Edge
As much as Scandinavians embrace the outdoors no matter what time of the year, there is much to be said for embracing the indoors too. So, like the exteriors of Scandinavian houses, the interiors are also characterised by simplicity – designed for functional and comfortable living.
This bedroom is a great example of functional and efficient Scandinavian design that is also comfortable. Here, built-in beds and shelving create a streamlined look and enhance the feeling of spaciousness, and therefore light and airiness.
How to Give Your Bedroom a Scandinavian Edge
The interior of this fishing lodge is cosy and comfortable, planned and designed for function and efficiency. There is a kitchen, living space and sleeping mezzanine within the small interior; all made to appear more spacious with light-coloured features and furnishings, and of course plenty of natural light.
Your turn
Have you embraced Scandinavian architecture or design at home? Tell us how in the Comments, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the conversation.
More
Ready to redo your interiors in a Scandi style? Read how with this definitive guide – So Your Style Is: Scandinavian
Have you embraced Scandinavian architecture or design at home? Tell us how in the Comments, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the conversation.
More
Ready to redo your interiors in a Scandi style? Read how with this definitive guide – So Your Style Is: Scandinavian
Villa Mairea in Finland, designed by Alvar Aalto from 1937 to 1939, is a modernist masterpiece that sums up many of the characteristics of Scandinavian architecture. The house incorporates nature into its structure by using finished wood on the exterior of the home, and natural materials throughout the interior. Additionally, large full-length windows open to the trees outside, creating a close connection with nature while also letting natural light flood in.
Keen to embrace Scandinavian design at home? Find an architect near you on Houzz who can talk you through it