Living in a greenhouse might sound like a fairytale to some, but the Swedish nature house is actually a great way to create a sustainable and unique home. In recent years, sustainable living has finally gained mainstream momentum, and people are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and live in harmony with nature.
So let’s explore what the Swedish nature house is, and why people are choosing this alternative way of living.
What is a Swedish nature house?
Picture this: a house or living space that’s entirely surrounded by a greenhouse structure. That is what a Swedish nature house, or naturhus, is. Yep, essentially a house within a greenhouse.
The greenhouse area wraps around the home, creating a sheltered microclimate that can provide extra warmth and extend the growing season for plants.
The modern Naturhus concept was pioneered by Swedish architect Bengt Warne, who wanted to create homes that worked more closely with natural cycles. His designs combined a conventional insulated house with a surrounding greenhouse, creating a sheltered climate while making it possible to grow plants for much more of the year.
The idea of integrating nature and architecture has been a fundamental principle in Swedish architecture for many years and it has also influenced the development of the naturhus concept.
Can you actually live in a greenhouse?
Well, nature houses aren’t technically greenhouses. They are homes within, or built alongside, a greenhouse.
Nature houses incorporate natural elements such as indoor gardens, green walls and other forms of plant life. It’s similar to living in a traditional home, but you’re able to experience the benefits of being closer to nature as well.
One of the other key features of nature houses is the use of natural materials. This means they are often made from sustainable and locally sourced materials such as wood, stone and clay.
So, provided you don’t throw stones – yes, people can live in greenhouses!
Where did the idea of living in a greenhouse come from?
The idea took shape in the 1970s, when eco-architect Bengt Warne built his own Naturhus in Saltsjöbaden, outside Stockholm. The conventional living space was enclosed within a large glass greenhouse, creating a buffer between the home and Sweden’s cold climate.
His naturhus was a groundbreaking design, and it lead to the development of a sustainable architectural movement that prioritizes energy efficiency, self-sufficiency and the use of renewable resources.
More recently, Swedish engineer Anders Solvarm of greenhouseliving.se has become one of the best-known advocates of the Naturhus concept, designing and living in his own greenhouse-enclosed home and working on similar projects.
How many nature houses are there?
There’s no official count of how many Naturhus-style homes exist today. Examples can be found in Sweden and elsewhere in Scandinavia, while greenhouse-enclosed homes inspired by similar principles have also been built in other parts of Europe.
Denmark also has a significant number of naturhus, many designed by Danish eco-architects.
What is it like living in a Swedish naturhus?
Living in a nature house can offer benefits such as a unique indoor-outdoor living environment, an extended growing season and potentially lower heating requirements.
If you want to live in a nature house, you will have to customize it according to the climate and conditions of where you live. Fortunately, there are options for those living all over the world.
Those living in colder countries like Sweden can design a nature house that is specifically suited for harsh winters.
Adaptations include thick walls, extra insulation and locating windows on the south side of the home to maximize the amount of natural light and sun that enters the space. Good ventilation is essential too. The greenhouse may help capture warmth during colder months, but it can also overheat on sunny summer days, so Naturhus designs usually need effective shading and ventilation.
On the flip side, those living in warmer parts of the world can build their nature homes with features such as natural ventilation systems and large overhanging roofs to provide shade.
Building a nature home is possible no matter where you live. While the construction methods may vary depending on the location, the principles of building a nature home remain the same.
Where can you see a real nature house?
There are naturhus located throughout Sweden, but one of the best-known examples is the Uppgrenna Naturhus.
This house is situated near the town of Gränna in southern Sweden and features a café, conference rooms and therapy treatment rooms.
Uppgrenna Naturhus can be rented out, giving visitors and nature house enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to see what it’s like living in one of these unique spaces.
I want one. How much does a naturhus cost?
The cost of building a naturhus will vary depending on the size, location, materials and systems used in the construction.
But, it’s safe to say that nature houses are more expensive to build than traditional houses, due to the added cost of the greenhouse structure, the use of sustainable materials and the need for specialized builders and architects.
However, with increasing fuel costs, building a house that uses less energy than a traditional home can be cost-efficient in the long-term.
Challenges of building and maintaining a nature house
Aside from the high costs, there are also several challenges you may face when building a nature house. Some challenges to keep in mind are:
- Choosing the right builder. Finding an architect and builder who is experienced in working with sustainable materials and understands the intricate design and construction of a nature house can be hard.
- Building permits. Building regulations vary depending on the country or region you live in and strict guidelines may dictate the construction of nature houses. Check these guidelines carefully.
- Choosing the right materials. Nature houses use sustainable, eco-friendly materials with a minimal environmental impact. You may face challenges in finding materials that meet these criteria while being durable, cost-effective and practical.
How should I furnish my nature house?
One of the most exciting parts about moving into a new home is deciding how to decorate and furnish it. When it comes to a nature house, it’s good to use natural or recycled materials.
Moreover, incorporating plants and art can help optimize space and light.
You could opt for furniture made from sustainable materials such as bamboo, reclaimed wood or natural fibres. These materials not only contribute to the aesthetic of a natural home but also align with its eco-friendly values.
Is this the future of housing in Scandinavia?
In a perfect world, everyone would build a nature house. Unfortunately it’s not that simple, as few people can afford the initial outlay.
However, there are other cheaper trends that are shaping the future of housing in Scandinavia.
One example is the smart home which integrates technology to control energy usage. This leads to reduced energy bills and a smaller environmental footprint.
Another example is the idea of urban farming. Urban farming involves growing fruit and vegetables on balconies and rooftops. This helps those living in apartments to reduce their food miles and eat healthier.
Although not unique to Scandinavia, these ideas will play an important part in tomorrow’s housing developments.
How do I find out more about naturhus?
Interested in learning more about the Swedish naturhus? Check out the following resources:
Naturhus by Marie Granmar
Greenhouse Living
Sweden: Naturhus Apple TV series
Greenhouse in Sweden YouTube
Family wraps home in greenhouse Youtube
Naturvilla.com
Could you live in a Swedish nature house?
A Swedish nature house certainly isn’t the simplest or cheapest way to build a home, but it’s easy to see why the idea has captured so much attention. Combining everyday living with a greenhouse, space for growing plants and clever use of natural resources, the Naturhus offers a fascinating glimpse at a different way of living with the Scandinavian climate rather than simply shutting it out. Could you imagine living in a house surrounded by glass, or does it sound like too much work? Let us know in the comments below!
See also:
16 of the best places to stay in Scandinavia
10 cool places to stay in Finland
Unusual places to stay in Denmark
Please give the dimensions of the glasshouse