The Studio Project
The making of my new studio in a 100 year old barn in the Swedish forest.
This project serves as a case study for sustainable restoration, blending historical authenticity with modern design principles.
My ambition is to document the process so you can see the project through my lens - with a focus on heritage, craftsmanship, and neurodesign.
The mission
is to restore a 100-year-old barn with respect for history, craftsmanship, and materials.
Using wood fiber, clay, and linen is a conscious decision to create a studio that breathes. By insulating from the exterior, we preserve the 19th-century timber interior - ensuring that the history of the building remains the backdrop of every canvas I paint.
Creating a space that supports creation.
The choice of materials is an extension of my artistry.
The Barn today
Today, the barn consists of two floors with low ceiling height downstairs and a simple wooden door. Upstairs, the sides are adorned with two original one-pane windows featuring hand-blown glass.
Downstairs, before
Upstairs, before
The Studio
In transforming the barn into my new studio,
I will insulate with natural, breathable materials to preserve the raw, original wood finish and visible beams on the inside.
The downstairs area currently has a very low ceiling, but beneath the floor hides an old earth cellar. This allows me to lower the floor on one side, creating a dedicated workspace with enough height for my larger works. To flood the studio with natural light, the walls will be opened up with four large windows overlooking the fields. The current door will be replaced by double doors with windows, inviting the light in.
The upstairs layout will remain the same, serving as a lounge and office.
This is the only area where the original wood ceiling, sadly, will be covered. As insulating the roof from the outside is a complexity for the future.
To maintain the connection to traditional architecture, the finished studio will feature sliding barn doors over every window and entrance, functional for closing up, but primarily an aesthetic tribute to the building's heritage.
Downstairs, after
Upstairs, after
More about Neurodesign &
My design philosphy
A space is shaped not only with the eye, but with the entire nervous system as a compass.
The spaces we frequent is just as important to your well-being as food, sleep and exercise.
We design and organize but we often forget the most important thing:
How do I really want to feel in this space? What is the aim of the space?
Whether it is your home or your studio: they are more than walls, furniture and things. It become a living mirror of how you feel: a place that either stresses or heals, supports or hinder you in the work you want to acheive.
It's not about creating something perfect, but something that makes you breathe deeper.
When we design for both body and soul, we listen inward first. Because when we start to see our spaces as part of our nervous system - then everything changes.
The stillness before the restoration begins.
Magic moments and an empty canvas.
