Kåkenäs Villa on the Swedish West coast
Arne and Soile Algeröd’s villa is well thought out in everything from the choice of materials to design and function. At Kåkenäs outside Stenungsund in Sweden, they have created their dream home with miles of views across the archipelago.
Nestled in the West Coast landscape just south of Stenungsund, at Hakefjorden, is Villa Kåkenästet – a modern and functional home where well-positioned windows provide views of the sea. Architect and artist couple Arne and Soile Algeröd have created their dream home on a plot of land they have had their eyes on for a long time.
“When we received an offer to buy a section of land in Kåkenäs, the process went quickly. From signing the contract to moving in, it only took a little more than a year”, says Arne Algeröd, architect SAR/MSA.
A house designed for the location
As the architect in charge at PE Teknik & Arkitektur, Arne has extensive experience in both small and large construction projects. When his own residential house was to be built, he chose to be responsible for most of the construction management himself – but, of course, also design the house together with Soile.
“Our goal was to use the site as efficiently as possible. We started from the highest point where we would have a finished floor. Then the foundation had to follow the rock. Towards the water, we have a drop of 12 metres, and on the opposite side it is six meters down to the road”, says Arne. The façade consists of wavy fibre cement, which is actually designed for roofs.
Westcoast Windows low maintenance aluminium were the obvious choice
“There are no maintenance-free materials, but this is the closest we could find. With the wave pattern and the space between the panels, we get both horizontal and vertical lines in the façade, which creates a dynamic expression.”
“When it comes to the windows, we have also thought through the maintenance and use Westcoast Windows, which have an inside made of wood and an outside made of aluminium. With the outside made of natural anodized aluminium, we get a window that looks great against the façade material”, Arne says.
At the patio and entrances, the façade material changes to softer materials. First, a smooth fibre cement board, and then cedar. Well-balanced sliding sections and windows are used to let in light.
“Partly, it was the Westcoast Windows construction on the sliding sections that was decisive. I like the function – how it slides sideways so easily. In addition, it uses a smoother fitting that is more elegant in its shape, which appeals to me. Plus, it is the only sliding door on the market with a completely tight construction, which is really needed here with the prevailing south-west winds”, says Arne.
Just the right amount of glass facing the sea
“We have been very careful to have just the right amount of glass facing the sea. I always work to ensure that there is good light in the room and place sliding doors and windows where needed. Well balanced – not too much, not too little. It is not good to just pile on a lot of glass”, says Arne.
Both the sliding doors and windows come from Westcoast Windows, and the reason for the choice is relatively simple, says Arne.
In Villa Kåkenästet, there are Westcoast Windows sliding sections both in the facade and inside the house. This is to be able to open up and let in light where needed. In the part of the façade that requires less light, there are lower windows – these also come from Westcoast Windows.
“There are also some details that made me choose Westcoast Windows. Among other things, I was able to choose the right colour for the sealing strips, which are usually black, at no extra cost. The design of the pivot windows is also very appealing,” concludes Arne.
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