,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Modern lake house renovation

Buying a 1960s house without seeing it might sound bold, but for this couple, the location made it irresistible. “It’s not every day a house by Lake Åsunden in Sweden comes onto the market,” the owners Sofia Andersson and Alexander Erntsson explain. Upstairs, L‑sized Woodura Planks in Natural were used throughout the hallway, kitchen, and living room.

  • Segment: Residential
  • Location: Kansas City, MO
  • Year: 2025
  • Architect: Fernström Arkitektur & Design
  • Builder: Glenns Byggservice
  • Products:
  • Area: 120 m² / 1 292 sqft
Read the story

Buying a 1960s house without seeing it might sound bold, but for this couple, the location made it irresistible. “It’s not every day a house by Lake Åsunden in Sweden comes onto the market,” the owners Sofia Andersson and Alexander Erntsson explain. Upstairs, L‑sized Woodura Planks in Natural were used throughout the hallway, kitchen, and living room.

The renovation was extensive—and filmed by a TV crew. “Everything was pretty intense and sometimes chaotic, but documenting the journey also made us pause and reflect on what we were actually creating,” explains Sofia.

Everything was stripped back to allow for a fresh architectural approach inspired by mid‑century modern design. Large windows were introduced to frame the surrounding landscape, turning the lake into a constant visual presence throughout the home.

“The vision was to create an architect‑designed home inspired by the Case Study Houses in Los Angeles.”

“At first, we weren’t interested in the house,” Sofia says. “But we couldn’t let go of the idea of living with that view—and transforming the house into the home we had always dreamed of.” Alexander adds: “We wanted to open it up, bring in light, and use large windows to create natural frames toward the lake. The aim has always been to create a home with classic choices that feel just as right now as they will in the future.”

Designing With Flow and Personality

The interior reflects a distinctly Scandinavian approach, softened with personal and colorful elements. Rather than letting color dominate the architecture, it is expressed through furniture and art, while walls and floors create a calm and cohesive backdrop. The home balances structure with warmth, creating an environment that feels both designed and lived in.

“Flooring was one of the most important decisions in the project, setting the tone for the entire home.”

The choice quickly fell on wood flooring, but it needed to be durable enough for an active home. “Clean grading, balanced plank proportions, and a natural tone were also key factors—alongside environmental considerations, which played an important role in the overall decision‑making process.”

Seamless Transitions and Architectural Details

One of the standout features of the home is how the flooring extends all the way to the large windows without visible trims. This creates an almost seamless transition between interior and exterior, enhancing the connection to the surrounding landscape.

Shadow gaps, instead of traditional baseboards, reinforce the architectural clarity of the space.

“We wanted a clean architectural look, with the floor almost flowing out toward the view.”

A Harmonious Material Palette

Throughout the home, materials have been carefully combined to create contrast and cohesion. Upstairs, the natural wood flooring meets green stone tiles inspired by Kolmården marble—a traditional Swedish stone. “That combination was perfect!” says Sofia. In the kitchen, oak cabinetry echoes the tones of the floor, creating a unified and integrated feel. Rather than standing apart, the kitchen becomes a natural extension of the living space, reinforcing the architectural flow.

The matte lacquered surface enhances the natural qualities of the wood, offering a subtle, understated finish. It brings out the grain while maintaining a soft, tactile feel underfoot. Beyond aesthetics, the comfort of walking on wood is a defining feature. Warm, slightly forgiving, and quiet, it adds to the overall sense of well‑being within the home.

“One lesson is not to compromise on the details. It’s the details that together create the whole and shape the final result.”

A Home Designed to Last

Looking back, the couple describe the process as both demanding and rewarding. Creating a home from the ground up requires patience, but the result is a space designed for the future. “We’re really happy with the result. The best part is creating something truly our own and seeing all the decisions come together in the end.”

Related products

No products specified