Located in the steep mountain terrain of Ottsjö, south of Åre Ski Resort, Note’s inaugural architectural project is a modern rural home designed to maximise mountain views
Photography by Sophie Odelberg
Words by Jessica-Christin Hametner
For Johannes Karlström and Cristiano Pigazzini – cofounders of the Swedish multidisciplinary design agency Note (design studio), known for its playful and genre-bending designs across furniture and interiors – good design should make you feel something.
Over a decade ago, the duo set up their Stockholm-based studio and have since garnered an international client list; ranging from brands like Fritz Hansen and Blēo to Tarkett and Hermès, Note combines a visionary approach and aesthetic sensibility to evoke emotion and stimulate dialogue.
‘Already, from the start, we were a multidisciplinary design studio,’ shares Karlström. ‘When we set up the studio in 2008, we had this idea how different competences and different viewpoints can create something really good.’
Photography courtesy of Note (design studio)
Note’s ability to bend the rules and take risks has paved the way for the Swedish design studio’s latest creative endeavour: the firm’s inaugural architectural project, Villa Ottsjö, which is nestled into the rocky escarpment of Ottsjö, located just south of Sweden’s Åre Ski Resort, in Jämtland.
‘For us, it’s a big step,’ says Karlström of Note’s first architectural project. ‘It’s not a huge step, but it’s still important. We often approach projects with a certain naivety and believe that we can address many challenges through creativity and collaboration, using our minds to find solutions.’
The modern two-storey building, clad in untreated Norrland heartwood, features three identical pitched-roof volumes along with a series of shared and private spaces that offer scenic views to the west of the spectacular mountains and Jämtland’s wild landscapes.
Photography by Erik Lefvander
Arranged in varying panel widths to create a subtle variation in the façade – the pine will fade to a beautiful ash-grey patina over time – Note also used Norwegian marble for the exterior, sourcing it locally from just across the mountain, to further capture the rugged character of Ottsjö. The architects used these materials to construct a home that can withstand the region’s harsh Arctic climate.
‘This was an ambitious plan for a young couple who needed a space that suits their active lifestyle,’ explains Jesper Mellgren, the project’s architect. ‘It’s a challenging location, and even though we had all these ideas, the site ultimately determines what’s possible. As the village surrounds this enormous, beautiful mountain, we wanted to capture that, so each part of the house provides a small glimpse.’
Inside, a central footbridge allows for a seamless and minimal connection between the different elements of the property, while a double-height ceiling and skylights flood the 100 sq m building with abundant daylight, especially during the darker and longer winter months. The result is an open space, complete with an indoor sauna, offering maximum functionality despite its compact footprint.
Photography by Erik Lefvander and Note (design studio)
‘Nature inspired the concept of the house,’ continues Mellgren. ‘The couple living at Villa Ottsjö with their dog love the outdoors; they are avid skiers and enjoy running in the mountains or bathing in a nearby creek. We wanted to create a house that connects them with their surroundings and, in terms of materiality, design a home that was in touch with nature.’
The building’s quality is impressive. Cabin-style cladding in the living spaces complements a crisp grey backdrop in the bathroom, while contemporary furniture and accessories add dimension, personality, and texture.
‘Working on this property has allowed us to translate our knowledge of materiality, spatial flow and user experience into a broader context,’ explains Karlström. ‘For us, this project has manifested a newfound freedom, where we set the parameters rather than working within them.’
Photography by Erik Lefvander
Staying true to Note’s ethos, Villa Ottsjö incorporates soft curves, inviting textures and thoughtful details – think playful objects, subtle material twists and unexpected pops of colour. While the design remains minimalist in form, it doesn’t feel sterile or impersonal.
‘This project has been quite a steep learning curve for us,’ admits Karlström. ‘But we want to move into architecture more. We’ve been working in interiors for a long time, so owning the entire process at Villa Ottsjö and establishing the architectural framework rather than adapting to pre-existing conditions is exciting. We’re super happy to have worked on this project.’
Photography by Erik Lefvander and Note (design studio)
Beyond its aesthetic charm, Note’s debut architectural project is a thoughtful response to the practicalities of mountain life. With a steeply pitched roof engineered to bear the weight of heavy snowfall and a structure built to withstand the region’s harsh weather, Villa Ottsjö stands as a pine-clad jewel amidst the picturesque Scandinavian nature.
Ideal to live in, relax and entertain, the home cleverly captures precious daylight and frames sweeping panoramic views, making Villa Ottsjö the perfect home for its nature loving owners. With a blend of playfulness and practicality, Note’s sense of joy is visible in every detail of this contemporary mountain home.
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