Situated in the southwest between Ystad and Kristianstad, the Österlen region is often lovingly described as the “the Tuscany of Sweden”. It owes its nickname to the rolling hills, beaches and vineyards, the mild climate, and the special interplay of light and shade. The “House of Straw” blends seamlessly into the landscape here. 
Only the whitewashed main house can be seen from the street, giving the impression of an old building that has been carefully renovated. In actual fact it is a newbuild that has been cleverly matched to the existing architectural surroundings – in particular, the massive thatched roof and its striking chimney which define the character of the main house.
However, André Pihl's concept consists of two harmoniously connected volumes – the larger main building with a traditional look and feel, and a smaller adjacent building with a simple flat roof that is discreetly angled towards the sea and showcases the modern side of the house. The two buildings form a corner surrounding the garden and pool, designed as a private place to retreat. The twelve metre-wide glass front with Classic Design sliding doors from Schüco opens out onto breathtaking views of the outside area and the sea, significantly enlarging the living space when open.
The combination of traditional building techniques and materials and modern elements preserves the architectural heritage of the fishing village while also meeting contemporary living requirements. A perfect symbiosis between past and present. The topic of sustainability was also taken into account by André Pihl. In addition to far-reaching views, the highly thermally insulated, Cradle to Cradle certified doors and sliding doors from Schüco also contribute towards making the building envelope energy-efficient and sustainable.