Architecture
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Hildasholm was designed by the architect Torben Grut (1871-1945). The architect listened carefully to Axel Munthe's ideas and succeeded to involve Munthe's intentions in this very Swedish – but not Dalecarlian – concept. The house was built in stone and flanked by two identical wings. The main theme was to construct a house to pay homage to material and handicraft. The symmetric concept of the house collects all forces of the exterior space together. Stone is heavy and all dynamic motion is given in the rhythm of the windows, the entrance door and the roof which lighten the heavy impression through its bowed form.The association with the stone architecture of the Swedish Vasa Renaissance (the castle of Vadstena) is apparent. The shape of the roof with its bent design and glazed tiles shows a bit of Danish influence. Another distinct influence is the homage to handicraft which associates the making with the English Arts and Crafts movement. We can also imagine English manner in the paved courtyard. A link to Axel Munthe's San Michele is similarly shaped gates of wrought iron that can be seen both at Hildasholm and Villa San Michele. Disregarding from a Dalecarlian row of outbuildings, Hildasholm is a noble stranger in the architecture of Leksand. When Torben Grut was charged with this commission he was a young successful architect who had previously designed Queen Victoria's summer residence Solliden on Öland. He would soon later design Stockholm Olympia Stadium (1912). |