Peter Norrthon, chairman of Swedens Permaculture Society writes:
On the property just now is one main building, two guest houses and a number of small houses for different purpose. All the buildings are timber and wood, with living roves. The creation of Solem began 1997 and that creation continues.
From the beginning the principles of permaculture have been applied i.e. ecology, and the use of many different natural materials from the local area, a chicken house and land for self sufficient growing.
The main building on two levels is beautifully placed with an unbelievably beautiful view to the southwest over the Trondheims fjord. When the weather is clear you can see the mountains on the other side of the fjord 140 km away.
The architecture is exciting. The right angle has been calculated for a leaning sidewall towards the southwest that catches the suns warmth. There are many south facing windows fewer in other directions. The windows have been made in different styles but the overall effect is harmonious. Many detailed solutions in the house are totally unique as well as being functional and contributing to the good feeling in the room. The building is well placed in nature and the living roof is formed of many sections so that wind resistance and heat loss is kept to a minimum.
The walls and ceiling in wood panel give a warm and cosy impression that feels good for body and soul. Wood fired floor heating also creates a comfortable feeling.
On the land are two new built guesthouses constructed in the classical log house style. Together with the other out buildings, the workshop, chicken house, wood shed and store houses a courtyard has been created with different outside rooms.
The common thread through all of this is careful, solid work, beautiful attention to detail, a warmly coloured wood and living roves. There is plenty of land for further building and the development of the existing gardening arrangements.
