In Praise of Shadows Designs the Villa by the River
Amy Duong — June 2, 2025 — Art & Design
References: dezeen
Swedish design firm In Praise of Shadows has just renovated a villa first built in the 60s, dubbed Villa by the River in Umea. The team restores the original features of the home and unveils a modern integration through the fine details in the space. Some of the main changes were rooted in the layout as it has a distinctive angular form.
In Praise of Shadows co-founder Fredric Benesch told Dezeen about the design, "Our approach was to preserve and highlight the villa's historic qualities, maintaining original materials and features wherever technically feasible. Where new interventions were necessary – whether spatial or material – they were designed to be clearly contemporary yet harmoniously integrated with the original architecture."
Image Credit: Bjo?rn Lofterud
In Praise of Shadows co-founder Fredric Benesch told Dezeen about the design, "Our approach was to preserve and highlight the villa's historic qualities, maintaining original materials and features wherever technically feasible. Where new interventions were necessary – whether spatial or material – they were designed to be clearly contemporary yet harmoniously integrated with the original architecture."
Image Credit: Bjo?rn Lofterud
Trend Themes
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Historic-modern Architectural Integration — Blending historic architectural elements with modern design creates a unique contrast that enhances aesthetic and functional appeal.
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Sustainable Restoration — Renovations that preserve original materials align with sustainable practices while retaining the historical narrative of the building.
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Angular Form Interior Design — Utilizing distinctive angular designs offers a geometric and artistic approach to modern interior layout innovation.
Industry Implications
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Architecture and Design — Architectural practices focusing on harmonizing historical elements with contemporary additions can redefine conventional home restoration projects.
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Sustainable Building Materials — The emphasis on using original materials fosters growth in industries focused on sustainable and eco-friendly building resources.
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Luxury Real Estate — Demand for unique homes integrating historical charm with modern amenities is transforming luxury real estate development approaches.
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