Ladera Offices is a minimalist intervention located on the forest edge of southern Sweden’s Skåne region, bordering the protected landscape of Söderåsen National Park. Designed as both a seasonal retreat and working studio for a Copenhagen-based painter, the project responds to a desire for solitude, clarity, and immersion in nature. The architecture does not seek to dominate its setting — rather, it recedes quietly into the rhythm of light, weather, and time.

Ladera Offices is a minimalist intervention located on the forest edge of southern Sweden’s Skåne region, bordering the protected landscape of Söderåsen National Park. Designed as both a seasonal retreat and working studio for a Copenhagen-based painter, the project responds to a desire for solitude, clarity, and immersion in nature. The architecture does not seek to dominate its setting — rather, it recedes quietly into the rhythm of light, weather, and time.

The design process began with a careful study of site conditions. Dense woodland encloses the western edge, while open meadows stretch toward the east. In response, the building adopts a long, narrow footprint aligned east to west — allowing for optimal daylighting and soft transitions between interior zones. Spaces are organized sequentially: the north-facing studio receives cool, even light ideal for painting, while the south-facing living space opens to a wooden terrace that catches afternoon sun and extends the interior into the surrounding field. Daily life follows the movement of light — from the quiet east-facing bedroom at sunrise to the golden shadows cast across the workspace at dusk.

The design process began with a careful study of site conditions. Dense woodland encloses the western edge, while open meadows stretch toward the east. In response, the building adopts a long, narrow footprint aligned east to west — allowing for optimal daylighting and soft transitions between interior zones. Spaces are organized sequentially: the north-facing studio receives cool, even light ideal for painting, while the south-facing living space opens to a wooden terrace that catches afternoon sun and extends the interior into the surrounding field. Daily life follows the movement of light — from the quiet east-facing bedroom at sunrise to the golden shadows cast across the workspace at dusk.

All images featured in this template are used solely for demonstration purposes to illustrate layout and design intent. Copyright belongs to the respective authors, credited where possible. These materials may not be copied, redistributed, or used for personal or commercial purposes. Authors: Chatillon Architectes

All images featured in this template are used solely for demonstration purposes to illustrate layout and design intent. Copyright belongs to the respective authors, credited where possible. These materials may not be copied, redistributed, or used for personal or commercial purposes. Authors: Chatillon Architectes

Ladera Offices is a minimalist intervention located on the forest edge of southern Sweden’s Skåne region, bordering the protected landscape of Söderåsen National Park. Designed as both a seasonal retreat and working studio for a Copenhagen-based painter, the project responds to a desire for solitude, clarity, and immersion in nature. The architecture does not seek to dominate its setting — rather, it recedes quietly into the rhythm of light, weather, and time.

The design process began with a careful study of site conditions. Dense woodland encloses the western edge, while open meadows stretch toward the east. In response, the building adopts a long, narrow footprint aligned east to west — allowing for optimal daylighting and soft transitions between interior zones. Spaces are organized sequentially: the north-facing studio receives cool, even light ideal for painting, while the south-facing living space opens to a wooden terrace that catches afternoon sun and extends the interior into the surrounding field. Daily life follows the movement of light — from the quiet east-facing bedroom at sunrise to the golden shadows cast across the workspace at dusk.

All images featured in this template are used solely for demonstration purposes to illustrate layout and design intent. Copyright belongs to the respective authors, credited where possible. These materials may not be copied, redistributed, or used for personal or commercial purposes. Authors: Chatillon Architectes

Project team:

Elise Bernard, Javier Roca, Zoé Marin, Lucas Klein

Collaborating architects:

Chatillon Architectes

Building physics:

Beta Lab Sustainability

Interior designer:

Atelier Lionel Jadot (hotel, health club and restaurant)

Photography:

Antoine Mercusot

Honors:

FRAME Magazine Office Transformation Feature, Designboom Temporary Architecture Feature (2023)

(Other works)