Reimagining rural living

The Eksta project develops contemporary housing that responds to regional building traditions and material palettes. Our approach emphasizes a harmonious relationship between new architecture and the surrounding natural environment, ensuring that modern living is balanced with sensitivity to Gotland’s historic and ecological heritage.

Project Facts

Type HOUSING

Location EKSTA, GOTLAND

Year 2022

Team GUSTAV RYGREN, CAROLINA WIKSTRÖM

The site

The project is located on the island of Gotland, in the rural settlement of Eksta within Gotland Municipality. The site is surrounded by the island’s distinctive agricultural landscape, characterized by open fields, low stone walls, and scattered farmsteads.The plot lies within a gently undulating terrain, typical of southern Gotland, with expansive views of the surrounding countryside and proximity to the Baltic Sea. The rural setting offers a sense of openness and tranquility, with a strong connection to the island’s natural rhythms and material traditions.The context provides both challenges and opportunities—balancing the need for contemporary housing with a deep respect for Gotland’s unique landscape character, historical building typologies, and ecological sensitivity.

Contextual analysis

As part of the design process, a detailed study was conducted of the buildings and architectural patterns in the immediate surroundings. This included an analysis of building typologies, materials, roof forms, and spatial form typical of the local context.

Floor plans and elevations

The project consists of three villas, designed as a small cluster of homes that offer variety while maintaining a shared architectural expression.One of the villas is a single-storey house, with a compact and horizontal layout. It is designed for accessible, step-free living and offers a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.The other two villas are two-storey houses, with slightly different facade materials and interior layouts. Each of them responds to different living needs. The use of different materials between the two floors helps give each villa a distinct identity while maintaining the same architectural identity.