Transformation of a former village Church into a home with a library, architects Katja Hogenboom & Roemer van Toorn, 2017. Umeå, SWEDEN
A New Sense of Domesticity
Architects Katja Hogenboom and Roemer van Toorn restored and transformed an old village church into a home-library in the North of Sweden. Within the authentic frame of the former village church of 1929 a completely new and sustainable modern house was realised with the latest technology for contemporary living. Transforming the church into a modern house (sustainable, flexible and with low cost energy use).
The historical symbolism, spatial quality and details of the former church have enabled and inspired the architects to combine the characteristic features of this historical church with one of a modern way of living and working in a house as library in close proximity to nature and the city. The large double height living space with library, annex open kitchen and outdoor deck/terrace with view over the landscape, completed with six classical church windows, as well as all the restored old massive wooden inner doors, combines the historical (the patina of the past) with the modern way of life: it’s lived experience is all about the generosity of its space, flexible functions and connection with its rural environment.
