Vidhave in Visby
A holiday village with an eco mindset
A modern twist on the rustic historic architecture of Gotland. This sums up the new holiday village of Vidhave, located near Snäck Camping, just outside Visby. We believe that buildings should last for centuries – which is why they are built in solid wood on a recycled concrete slab and recover heat. And the closest neighbor? The sea.
The first 22-home holiday village is now complete and more are underway. Like a traditional fishing village in Gotland, the cottages follow the natural topography. As a result, the natural setting was spared an excavation process. The smooth-planed spruce panels are treated with iron vitriol, allowing the cottages to meld in with the scenery even more. Glass panels inside frame the view, which opens up to the sea and the sunset to the west.
Year-round homes
“We’ve chosen to give care to the location,” says Jens Hjelte, co-owner of Vidhave, the new destination emerging on the site of the former Snäck Camping. “So we’re taking things one step at a time, which allows us to adapt to how people use the area. We can be bold and learn as we go.”
The destination is just a few kilometers from the Visby City Wall. The buildings are equipped for year-round living and it will soon be possible to welcome groups of up to 400 conference guests.
We can be bold and learn as we go
Vidhave Gotland
“Sustainability has been important throughout the project – environmentally, economically and socially,” says Stefan Rydin, Tengbom’s lead architect for this client. “We have considered the environment in our inclusion of solar cells, water reuse and our choice of wood construction for the buildings. In terms of economic and social sustainability, we’ve opted for local labor and we’re contributing to a thriving Gotland in wintertime, too.”
Vidhave Gotland
Generating its own water
Inside, we painted the walls with egg oil tempera in soft colors and installed custom-built furniture. A fireplace enhances the atmosphere as summer fades. The team chose local concrete for the floor, polishing it to achieve a beautiful, easy-to-maintain finish. While the design embraces a natural aesthetic, it also integrates modern technology. Gotland’s limited water supply made conservation a key focus. The buildings feature recirculating showers from Swedish company Orbital, which analyze, clean, and reuse water. They are also equipped for future alternative solutions for non-potable water.
Shortcuts for everyone
Islanders and tourists alike enjoy strolling through this area, and they will continue to do so.
“We wanted to maintain the site’s availability to everyone moving forward,” says Jens Hjelte. “So we designed shortcuts through the area. By making it possible to walk straight through the village instead of using nearby paths, we avoid the exclusionary feeling that some holiday facilities have.”
Awards
Gotland’s Architecture Prize nominated Vidhave in 2024.
