House Rio is a minimal home located in Stockholm, Sweden, designed by Krupinski/Krupinska. The house, a modest self-built family home from the 1920s, had undergone several expansions in subsequent decades—during the 70s, 80s, and 90s—that were executed with enthusiasm albeit lacking in precision, leaving it somewhat unremarkable. Despite this, a young couple was captivated by its potential to embody a narrative rich with the passage of time and stories. A thorough examination of the house’s existing conditions and its historical evolution led to the decision to preserve and renovate the ground floor from the 1920s and the expansion from the 1970s. The renovation focused on revealing, restoring, and enhancing the unique qualities of these areas.

The design strategy implemented a disciplined layout featuring timeless proportions and the use of high-quality materials such as limestone, brick, solid pine, and oak. These spaces were reoriented to face a newly constructed, spacious terrace that offers expansive views of the lake. To improve functionality, the basement’s ceiling was heightened to accommodate a laundry room, gym, steam sauna, and spa area. The first floor underwent a complete transformation, replaced by a simplistic, rectangular structure with ribbon windows and a covering of finely corrugated sheet metal, marking a modern phase in the home’s architectural timeline. The design ensures continuous engagement with the landscape through a series of rooms along the building’s perimeter.