The Summer House, a project by General Architecture, is a reimagined retreat built on the foundation of a salvaged granary in Nannberga, Sweden. Completed in 2011, the architects found an old, small barn for sale outside the town of Borlänge, in the province of Dalarna, and were drawn to its straightforward, logical structure. The derelict building was carefully dismantled and moved to a more advantageous location on an old pasture near the shores of Lake Hjälmaren, a few kilometers from Arboga. This process of deconstruction and relocation formed a central theme of the project, sparking an internal discussion within the firm about construction, architecture, and the underlying tectonic elements of building traditions. The design sought to build upon the rustic character of the original structure while adding contemporary elements. After being reassembled, the granary's timber frame was placed on a new concrete plinth foundation. A load-bearing wooden framework was then added between the 15th and 16th timber rows, allowing for a full-height upper floor. The exterior of the new additions was treated with the same red paint as the original elements, ensuring a cohesive look. Following the construction, the house was left to settle for a year before the interior finishes were added. The interior of the house was kept simple and spare, with materials chosen for their availability and price. Oak wood, harvested from the site, and plywood from a local building supplier were used for the internal finishes. The internal walls of the upper floor were designed as floor-height trusses, a structural decision that eliminated the need for supports on the ground floor, creating a completely open-plan space. The ground floor features an open kitchen and living area, while the upper floor contains two bedrooms. Windows are carefully integrated, with large openings in the original timber walls and narrow, vertical windows on the upper floor, matching the new structural framework. The layout and material choices emphasize a connection to Swedish architectural tradition and the straightforwardness of the original barn structure. Credits Architecture: General Architecture Location: Nannberga, Sweden Photography: Mikael Olsson Principal Architect: Erik Persson