Abandoned houses: from hovel to haven

Interested in building preservation? Or fascinated by abandoned houses? You are not alone; many feel the same way. Just in time for summer 2018, writer Robert Danielsson has written a book about people who rescue abandoned houses. Through a series of projects from Skåne to Norrbotten, he has followed their journey from ruins to gems. Now you too can benefit from their experiences. The book evolved from the Facebook group "I saved an abandoned house", a source of knowledge and inspiration with over 10,000 enthusiastic members who have engaged in this previously neglected cultural heritage.

In the book, Robert Danielsson has gathered valuable knowledge from both the group and his own experiences. Eight different abandoned house rescuers share their knowledge and experiences and, together with Robert, offer advice and inspiration to others in the same situation. Their exciting stories are interspersed with in-depth articles on practical solutions to difficult care and restoration issues that arise after a long period of decay. Dry rot and timber repair, masonry problems in foundations and chimneys, and how to renovate windows are challenges many face.

The book also aims to raise awareness of abandoned houses as historical cultural documents and as opportunities to revitalize rural areas. Therefore, Robert Danielsson also places the book in a socio-scientific and economic context. How can rescued abandoned houses contribute to revitalizing and developing the countryside? From a socio-economic perspective, issues of increased self-sufficiency through local food and electricity production, phasing out fossil fuels, and the need for social care across the country are also highlighted.

No similar book has been published that offers such a broad approach, encompassing case studies, practical building preservation, and opportunities for rural development. Not infrequently, abandoned houses across the country have been depicted with a romantic shimmer as symbols of transience. In "I saved an abandoned house," they are instead seen as a resource for the future. Therefore, the Swedish Association for Building Preservation gave the book project its best recommendations already at the idea stage, and the Royal Patriotic Society provided a printing grant.

Have you already rolled up your sleeves and tackled an abandoned house, or are you dreaming of doing so? Are you content with reading about how others have done it? Regardless, this book is for you.