Small Footprint Living in Stockholm

In 1941 English architect, Ralph Erskine moved to Sweden with his young family. Under the pressure of war time austerity, Erskine built a home that would serve the needs of his family, nothing more and nothing less.

The result was a 20m²  woodland cottage, the two bedrooms divided by a central fireplace. Lådan as it was named had no electricity or running water. The south-facing window brought warmth and light, while the roof extended out over the structure to provide firewood storage to the north and a covered deck on the south.

The small space was a success due to the inventive furniture arrangements devised by Erskine. The bed could be folded into a couch, or else hoisted to the roof to maximise floor space. Sliding doors provided privacy for Erskine’s architectural studio, or else be opened up to give his two daughters room to play.

Lådan, located just outside of Stockholm was donated to the Stockholm Country Museum and is available to visit.

Photo by Angus Greene

The bed, hoisted to the ceiling. Photo by Angus Greene.

Photo by Angus Greene.

Photo by Angus Greene.

Photo by Angus Greene.