This small 48sqm duplex is housed in a former 19th-century brewery
In the hidden courtyard of a former brewery dating from 1888, this small 48sqm duplex embraces Scandinavian design
Gothenburg is a city that doesn’t reveal itself all at once. You have to push open doors, walk through doorways and stroll past brick façades to stumble upon what the city truly hides. This is exactly what happens here, in the Lorensberg neighbourhood, where a former outbuilding in the courtyard of a 19th-century building now houses a small 48sqm duplex.
The building dates from 1888 and was originally a domestic brewery and even a laundry. These utilitarian functions have left their mark: generous spaces, unusually high ceilings, and workshop-style windows. A few years ago, it was converted into a complex of nine flats, each one different from the next. This one is a small 48sqm duplex with a private entrance leading directly from the courtyard and the outdoor terrace.
The ground floor is charming and typical of Scandinavian design. Its polished concrete floor runs throughout the space. This unconventional choice in a 19th-century building works perfectly. The cool material complements the white walls and the 3.40-metre-high ceilings.
The windows deserve special attention. With small panes, set within arched recesses of natural stone featuring built-in sills, they are original to the building. They have been preserved, with a depth of recess that naturally creates a space to sit and read. Light floods in generously and the atmosphere in the middle of the day is very pleasant.
The Arrital kitchen, an Italian brand specialising in designer kitchens, is understated just enough so as not to overwhelm the space. With its composite worktop and built-in appliances, it makes you want to cook up a storm.
The bathroom, accessible from the entrance, is surprisingly spacious. A proper window floods the room with natural light, which is quite rare. The walls and floor are tiled with Italian terrazzo. It is a room with simple, elegant décor, where nothing is missing.
A dark-stained wooden staircase leads up to what is undoubtedly the most striking room. The upstairs bedroom features a ceiling height of around 3 metres with exposed beams. Two skylights provide overhead light. And then there is this large, small-paned, industrial-style window set into the interior wall, overlooking the stairwell.
It creates an unexpected sense of depth and sends light all the way down to the steps. It’s the sort of detail you don’t forget. The storage is custom-built and integrated, blending into the geometry of the roof. It’s a quiet bedroom, facing the courtyard, where you can leave the windows open at night in summer without hearing the city.
The renovation of this small 48sqm duplex, which resembles a small townhouse, is a success because it doesn’t try to overdo it. Its polished concrete on the ground floor, combined with the original small-paned windows, avoids the industrial loft cliché.
Thanks to the rough-stone alcoves and the high ceilings that keep the 19th-century spirit very much alive, this flaw is absent. The appeal of the very raw look of lofts that we saw around ten years ago is now somewhat outdated. And we can no doubt be glad of that. The result was sometimes a bit depressing.
The only aspect that could perhaps have been improved is the treatment of the terrace. These photos show a simple outdoor space, but one lacking in greenery. A space like this, tucked away in a quiet 19th-century courtyard, is a real bonus for this small 48sqm duplex. It would have benefited from some attractive planters and even, if permitted, a raw steel pergola. But this is simply an invitation to personalise the space.
This type of property is rarely found in Sweden, or indeed in other countries. Former commercial and industrial buildings, when converted into residential properties, often offer large floor areas. Less often do we see this type of small duplex with a terrace.
Lorensberg is the vibrant heart of Gothenburg: restaurants, galleries, nightlife, Swedish Haussmann-style architecture. The neighbourhood runs along Kungsportsavenyn, known locally as the city’s cultural artery. It is just a stone’s throw from the Museum of Fine Arts, the concert hall and the city’s best cafés. This small flat offers the chance to live there whilst enjoying the tranquillity of a quiet inner courtyard, sheltered from the noise. It is a true haven amidst the hustle and bustle of city life.
48sqm
This small 48sqm duplex is for sale at Alvhem
A building from 1888 that has been given a new lease of life
The building dates from 1888 and was originally a domestic brewery and even a laundry. These utilitarian functions have left their mark: generous spaces, unusually high ceilings, and workshop-style windows. A few years ago, it was converted into a complex of nine flats, each one different from the next. This one is a small 48sqm duplex with a private entrance leading directly from the courtyard and the outdoor terrace.
The décor: polished concrete, dark wood, steel and Italian ceramics
The ground floor is charming and typical of Scandinavian design. Its polished concrete floor runs throughout the space. This unconventional choice in a 19th-century building works perfectly. The cool material complements the white walls and the 3.40-metre-high ceilings.
The windows deserve special attention. With small panes, set within arched recesses of natural stone featuring built-in sills, they are original to the building. They have been preserved, with a depth of recess that naturally creates a space to sit and read. Light floods in generously and the atmosphere in the middle of the day is very pleasant.
The Arrital kitchen, an Italian brand specialising in designer kitchens, is understated just enough so as not to overwhelm the space. With its composite worktop and built-in appliances, it makes you want to cook up a storm.
The bathroom, accessible from the entrance, is surprisingly spacious. A proper window floods the room with natural light, which is quite rare. The walls and floor are tiled with Italian terrazzo. It is a room with simple, elegant décor, where nothing is missing.
The upper floor where the building’s history is revealed
A dark-stained wooden staircase leads up to what is undoubtedly the most striking room. The upstairs bedroom features a ceiling height of around 3 metres with exposed beams. Two skylights provide overhead light. And then there is this large, small-paned, industrial-style window set into the interior wall, overlooking the stairwell.
It creates an unexpected sense of depth and sends light all the way down to the steps. It’s the sort of detail you don’t forget. The storage is custom-built and integrated, blending into the geometry of the roof. It’s a quiet bedroom, facing the courtyard, where you can leave the windows open at night in summer without hearing the city.
Our thoughts on the design choices
The renovation of this small 48sqm duplex, which resembles a small townhouse, is a success because it doesn’t try to overdo it. Its polished concrete on the ground floor, combined with the original small-paned windows, avoids the industrial loft cliché.
Thanks to the rough-stone alcoves and the high ceilings that keep the 19th-century spirit very much alive, this flaw is absent. The appeal of the very raw look of lofts that we saw around ten years ago is now somewhat outdated. And we can no doubt be glad of that. The result was sometimes a bit depressing.
The only aspect that could perhaps have been improved is the treatment of the terrace. These photos show a simple outdoor space, but one lacking in greenery. A space like this, tucked away in a quiet 19th-century courtyard, is a real bonus for this small 48sqm duplex. It would have benefited from some attractive planters and even, if permitted, a raw steel pergola. But this is simply an invitation to personalise the space.
A rare find, even in Sweden
This type of property is rarely found in Sweden, or indeed in other countries. Former commercial and industrial buildings, when converted into residential properties, often offer large floor areas. Less often do we see this type of small duplex with a terrace.
Lorensberg, a neighbourhood in Gothenburg where life is good
Lorensberg is the vibrant heart of Gothenburg: restaurants, galleries, nightlife, Swedish Haussmann-style architecture. The neighbourhood runs along Kungsportsavenyn, known locally as the city’s cultural artery. It is just a stone’s throw from the Museum of Fine Arts, the concert hall and the city’s best cafés. This small flat offers the chance to live there whilst enjoying the tranquillity of a quiet inner courtyard, sheltered from the noise. It is a true haven amidst the hustle and bustle of city life.
48sqm
This small 48sqm duplex is for sale at Alvhem
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