In the outskirts of Gothenburg, Sweden, one can find “The Fairytale House”, a perfect harmony of Japanese ingenuity and Swedish sustainability. Taking the best from both worlds Ola Torrång, who both designed and built the house, has managed to create a uniquely flexible house. If you’re interested in architecture, Ola’s stenhus (stone houses) is something you definitely have to see when visiting Sweden.

At a glance one quickly notices that the Japanese inspired house is something out the ordinary. With its eight corners, oriental red-tiled roof and connected winter garden it sticks out from the typical Swedish houses. Even more so when you take a look inside.

After getting his masters degree in architecture Ola Torrång moved to Japan to work in an architect office. During his time there he was fascinated by the small Japanese houses. Not only did the design of the houses appeal to him but also the way of thinking and living.

Coming back home to Sweden Ola took all the ideas and impressions he had received during his stay and started working on a project of his own. What came was a Japanese inspired house he designed for his parents back in 1979. It would take another 14 years, however, until he was able to design and build a house of his own.

Innovative ideas make for greater living

Built in 1993 “The Fairytale House” has a foundation made entirely of concrete. When asked why Ola replies that is has several benefits.

• The heavy foundation works as a heat storage and regulator that helps even out the difference in temperatures during day and night and summer and winter. Concrete is an eco-friendly material, mostly consisting of sand, stone, water and air, that won’t burn, rot or deteriorate making it completely maintenance-free.

Simplicity and flexibility were two big keywords when designing the house, Ola says. The concrete foundation allows for maximum flexibility inside the house as there are no bearing walls.

• As living conditions change from year to year it can be very beneficial to be able to move doors and interior walls to fit ones needs. When your kids move out, for example, it should be easy to take down and rearrange walls to create new useful spaces.

Apart from maximum flexibility the Swedish architect also wanted to design a house that fits better with today’s living situation – smaller plots and tighter city planning. That is where eight edges come in handy. By having cut off corners and placing the windows there one will not look straight into the neighbouring houses windows or walls. Not only that but it also gives increased living space in relation to the building area.

In addition to these innovative ideas the house is full of pleasant surprises. A glass constructed winter garden that allows for unusual growing possibilities (like figs and grapes), a Japanese inspired bathtub and bathroom, a glass cupola that allows for maximized intake of sunlight and a reading table by the toilet are just a few of many innovative and fun ideas that can be found in “The Fairytale House”. A visit here will be sure to bring out your kindred spirit!