In Sweden, Two Matching Homes Nest Under One Black Gable Roof

An architect couple finance their family home by doubling the plan and selling half.

Architect couple Andreas Lyckefors and Josefine Wikholm took an unusual approach to designing their dream home. While living in a small apartment with three young children, they bought a site in Askim, a popular suburb close to Gothenburg, where they designed a pair of mirrored residences under a single gable roof.

In Sweden, Two Matching Homes Nest Under One Black Gable Roof - Photo 1 of 18 -

Living in one of the units and selling the other allowed them to finance the entire project. But with this kind of plan, it was important to consider the needs of their future neighbors. What would add value, and what expenses were worth skipping?

In Sweden, Two Matching Homes Nest Under One Black Gable Roof - Photo 2 of 18 -
In Sweden, Two Matching Homes Nest Under One Black Gable Roof - Photo 3 of 18 -

"What became important was for light to enter the house from as many different angles as possible," explains Andreas, one half of Swedish firm Bornstein Lyckefors. "It was also important to create outdoor spaces where you could find a place in the sun at any time of day."

In Sweden, Two Matching Homes Nest Under One Black Gable Roof - Photo 4 of 18 -
In Sweden, Two Matching Homes Nest Under One Black Gable Roof - Photo 5 of 18 -

In each home, three levels are connected by a dramatic stair at the rear of the plan, where windows bring in light all the way to the ground floor. "We just love the staircase," says Andreas. "It gives you different views of the house and garden, and at night it’s like a gigantic lighting fixture, filling the whole house with warm, glowing light."

In Sweden, Two Matching Homes Nest Under One Black Gable Roof - Photo 6 of 18 -
In Sweden, Two Matching Homes Nest Under One Black Gable Roof - Photo 7 of 18 -
In Sweden, Two Matching Homes Nest Under One Black Gable Roof - Photo 8 of 18 -

On the ground floor in the living area, more windows overlooking the garden invite light and greenery inside. Two bedrooms and utilities—including a laundry and large bathroom with a sauna—are located around the living area.

In Sweden, Two Matching Homes Nest Under One Black Gable Roof - Photo 9 of 18 -

On the second level are two bedrooms and a bathroom, and a living and dining area that opens into the kitchen. The living area extends outside with attached balconies, and decks at the rear of the home provide additional outdoor access and a view over the garden. The third level houses a home office, a library and creative studio, and a guest bedroom and bathroom.

In Sweden, Two Matching Homes Nest Under One Black Gable Roof - Photo 10 of 18 -
In Sweden, Two Matching Homes Nest Under One Black Gable Roof - Photo 11 of 18 -

"We wanted all floors to feel like the main floor in terms of light and access to the garden," says Andreas. "Another major aspect was to design a house where our family could grow. The kids are small now, but teenagers normally fancy a different layout when it comes to parent proximity!" When the kids get a bit older, the third level could be used as an independent unit, for example, if one of the kids needed their own space.

In Sweden, Two Matching Homes Nest Under One Black Gable Roof - Photo 12 of 18 -

Throughout, the interiors are lined with ash timber, including the ground floor walls and ceiling, the staircase, the kitchen, and the flooring. In contrast, the home’s timber shell, which was prefabricated, has been treated with tar to create a dark facade with a dramatic presence against the surrounding greenery. In winter months, snow settles in the diagonal and vertical ribs, emphasizing the patterned facade.

In Sweden, Two Matching Homes Nest Under One Black Gable Roof - Photo 13 of 18 -
In Sweden, Two Matching Homes Nest Under One Black Gable Roof - Photo 14 of 18 -
In Sweden, Two Matching Homes Nest Under One Black Gable Roof - Photo 15 of 18 -
Ground floor plan of Villa Timmerman by Bornstein Lyckefors

Ground floor plan of Villa Timmerman by Bornstein Lyckefors

First floor plan of Villa Timmerman by Bornstein Lyckefors

First floor plan of Villa Timmerman by Bornstein Lyckefors

Second floor plan of Villa Timmerman by Bornstein Lyckefors

Second floor plan of Villa Timmerman by Bornstein Lyckefors

Related Reading:

Späckhuggaren by Bornstein Lyckefors

Project Credits:

Architect of Record: Bornstein Lyckefors Arkitekter / @bornsteinlyckefors

Builder: BoArt Svenska designhem

Photographer: Kalle Sanner

Mandi Keighran
Design and travel writer based in London.

Published

Stay up to Date on the Latest in Prefab Homes

From cozy cottages to large family houses, see how prefab continues to redefine the future of construction, building, and design.