Living in an area with freezing temperatures usually comes with its challenges, but a couple from Sweden has discovered a brilliant solution. Marie Granmar and Charles Sacilotto, residing in the heart of Stockholm’s brisk climate, have redefined sustainable living with their unique home wrapped in a greenhouse.
Inspired by architect Bengt Warne’s Naturhus concept, their dwelling is not just a house but a living, breathing ecosystem. Originally a modest summer house, the Granmar-Sacilotto home has been transformed into a year-round haven. The greenhouse encasing the house creates a microclimate that significantly warms the interior, allowing temperatures inside to reach a comfortable 15-20°C (59-68°F) even during Stockholm’s harsh winters when it’s a freezing -2°C (28°F) outside.
This innovative design doubles the home’s footprint, providing ample space for a lush garden. The family cultivates produce uncommon in Sweden, such as figs and cucumbers, turning their home into a small-scale agricultural wonderland. The integration of home and nature blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living, creating a unique, harmonious space.
The couple’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond temperature regulation. Their home boasts an independent sewage system designed by Sacilotto, an engineer. This closed-loop ecological cycle uses natural processes to treat and recycle water, including a urine-separating toilet, centrifuges, and garden ponds.
The greenhouse serves multiple purposes, providing warmth, space for growing food, and a play area for their son. The removed roof now acts as a sunlit terrace, showcasing the adaptability and multifunctional potential of living spaces.
Despite the greenhouse’s warmth, the Stockholm winter still poses challenges, requiring additional insulation and heating on the coldest days. This reality highlights the balance between sustainable practices and the need for conventional comforts in extreme climates.
The heart of the home’s sustainability lies in its water and waste management systems. The family collects rainwater for irrigation and uses a sophisticated, chemical-free process to treat household wastewater, showcasing a profound commitment to reducing their environmental footprint.
Sacilotto describes their philosophy of life as not just utilizing nature but living in another world. The couple’s innovative approach includes a composting system that turns food scraps and human waste into nutrient-rich soil, contributing to their garden and emphasizing a cycle of reuse and regeneration.
While they have achieved much, the couple sees their journey as ongoing, with opportunities for further advancements in self-sufficiency and ecological harmony. The video provides a closer look at this fascinating home and its sustainable features.