A historic sculptor's atelier in Stockholm has been transformed into a remarkable residential space that preserves its artistic heritage while offering modern living. The property, originally built in 1968 as the working studio for renowned Swedish sculptor Hertha Hillfon, now serves as a 141-square-meter apartment in the Mälarhöjden neighborhood of southwest Stockholm. This conversion represents one of three residences carved from the original monumental studio space, maintaining the dramatic scale that made it ideal for large-scale artistic creation. The building stands as a testament to Swedish postwar architectural philosophy, where function and form merge seamlessly without unnecessary ornamentation. Hillfon, who passed away in 2013, was one of Sweden's most important ceramic and sculpture artists, and her former workspace carries significant cultural value.
The apartment's most striking feature is its extraordinary vertical volume, with ceiling heights reaching nearly five meters, creating an airy, gallery-like atmosphere that few Stockholm residences can match. Expansive windows flood the interior with natural light, a design element essential for Hillfon's sculptural work that now benefits residential living by creating bright, uplifting spaces throughout the day. The material palette remains deliberately minimal and honest, showcasing exposed timber joinery, simply fixed wood ceilings, white rendered walls, limestone floors, and raw brickwork throughout. Two functional fireplaces anchor the living spaces, providing both warmth and architectural focal points that reference the building's utilitarian origins. These elements combine to create an environment where the building's purpose is communicated through its fundamental form rather than decorative details.
Currently configured as a two-level apartment, the home includes four rooms plus a kitchen, thoughtfully arranged to maximize the sense of space while maintaining intimate living areas. Generous social spaces unfold naturally from the original atelier volume, creating seamless transitions between living, dining, and creative spaces that encourage both solitude and gathering. A dedicated spa area and carefully integrated storage solutions have been added to accommodate contemporary lifestyle needs while respecting the building's industrial character. These modern interventions demonstrate how historic studio architecture can be sensitively adapted for everyday residential use without compromising its essential character. The layout preserves the open flow that artists require while defining distinct zones for modern family life.
The interior living spaces extend to a private garden area of approximately 150 square meters, effectively doubling the usable area during Sweden's warmer months. This outdoor sanctuary provides a secluded retreat for residents while maintaining a connection to the surrounding Stockholm landscape and the area's characteristic mix of urban and natural environments. The garden's design complements the architectural simplicity of the building, creating a cohesive indoor-outdoor living experience that reflects Swedish design principles of functional beauty and natural integration. Mälarhöjden, known for its proximity to Lake Mälaren and its quiet residential character, provides an ideal setting for this unique property that balances cultural heritage with contemporary lifestyle demands.
This rare example of adaptive reuse preserves the cultural memory and architectural intent of Sweden's postwar studio architecture movement, which emphasized honest expression of materials and functional design. The property is currently listed with Markus Elias and Gabriel Asadour of Historiska Hem, a Swedish real estate agency specializing in historic properties with architectural significance. The conversion offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of Stockholm's artistic history while enjoying a residence that embodies the Scandinavian design values of simplicity, functionality, and connection to light and nature. For buyers seeking a home that combines cultural heritage with contemporary comfort, this former atelier represents an exceptional find in the Stockholm real estate market.
