‘We’ve had to be flexible and evolve our style’

Rebuilding their rundown home exhausted their budget, so the Pedersens have devised room schemes that develop as their finances allow

With its double-height ceiling, beams and open staircase, this house has the features of a spacious loft apartment, but tucked into the 109sq m confines of a cosy cottage. Built in the style of a typical Danish summer house, it is tucked away on the site of a former community garden in the heart of the city. ‘Families live here all year round now, so we are close to our neighbours but we can also see the plants growing and hear the birds,’ says Monika Pedersen. ‘It’s the perfect combination of social city living and urban oasis.’

Monika and her husband Henrik bought the house in 2010. Two years later, they started a two-year renovation project, living in one room with their children, Frigg and Falke, as the house was torn down around them. ‘As soon as we started looking behind the walls, we realised the place was in a bad state,’ says Monika. ‘We had to rip everything out – walls, floors, windows. All that’s left of the old house are the roof and rafters.’

The process allowed them to rethink the layout and make the most of the property’s small footprint. The open-plan design offers long views through the house and an illusion of space. Look up and roof lights give a view of the sky. Gaze out through the French doors and picture windows and you’ll see the garden. There’s even a wraparound deck that’s used as an extra room. Space, light, views – it sounds pricey, but that’s not the case. ‘I bought all the windows and doors from a recycling database where people sell glazing they’ve bought in the wrong size,’ says Monika. ‘Wherever I could, I bought reclaimed or second-hand materials; it saved us a lot of money. Each time we complete a project in the house, I’m grateful. We’re living in our dream home!’