# Villa Österlen draws inspiration from traditional Swedish farmsteads Note Design Studio's holiday home in southern Sweden blends modern and traditional elements. - **Source:** [Architecture news and projects | Dezeen](https://brifing.si/source/50c21201-9cc6-48e0-8a7c-6ea605af10c3) - **Published:** 2026-07-17 - **Topic:** [Design & UX](https://brifing.si/c/design) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/fe1b2807-e63a-43a3-a02c-f38bab4b00cb ## From Traditional to Contemporary Note Design Studio took inspiration from skånelänga, traditional farmsteads typical to southern Sweden, when designing Villa Österlen. However, they used this reference as a starting point to develop a modern interpretation. The project establishes a visual connection with the surrounding church through materials like textured plaster and a zinc roof. ## Architecture in Harmony with Nature Located near Hanö Bay amidst green landscapes, the villa was designed to take advantage of the views. Large windows and sliding glass doors provide natural ventilation and circulation along the north-south axis. Irregular stone paving from the outdoor patio extends into the interior, strengthening the indoor-outdoor connection. ## Focus on Social Living Designed to accommodate large family gatherings, the villa features a double-height living, dining, and kitchen area at its core. This central space stands out with its stained pine-clad gabled ceiling. Transitions between spaces were carefully planned to offer visitors constantly changing perspectives as they move through the house. ## Material Choices Local pine wood was used as one of the project's primary materials. The studio revitalized this material through unique staining techniques and detailed carpentry, avoiding banality. Textured plaster continues into the interiors, complemented by stone countertops in the kitchen and pale tiles in the bathrooms. ## Spatial Variety The three bedrooms are positioned on either side of the central living areas, with a bright studio space tucked above the main bedroom. Curved volumes provide each space with a unique layout while creating spatial diversity as one moves through the house. ## Sustainable Approach As Note Design Studio's second major architectural project, Villa Österlen reflects their commitment to context-sensitive and sustainable design. Combining local materials with modern techniques brings a contemporary breath to traditional Swedish architecture. The project demonstrates the studio's architectural competence, building on their background in interior and product design. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.dezeen.com/2026/07/17/note-design-studio-villa-osterlen-sweden/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._