About us

Gysinge’s idea

Evening sun in hand-blown window glass creates patterns on the scrub floors, like when wind breezes move across the surface of the water. Traces of hand planing on doors, warmth from a tiled stove and the icy “large porch” – these details give the house soul and personality. When this is discovered, it feels natural to care for the house in a different way than with plasterboard and plastic paint. Just as people are unique, houses are also individual. The presence of the soul is the reason to listen to the house before renovation.

Gysinge was founded in 1990 as a counter-movement against the deconstruction of Sweden’s old buildings. The passion for old houses was combined with a desire to go beyond antiquarian fundamentalism and the poverty of the construction trade to create a comprehensive solution. Showcase buildings, exhibitions, advice and building conservation materials were gathered in one place – Gysinge building conservation centre.

BUILDING CARE – A PEOPLE’S MOVEMENT

Building conservation has today become a popular movement. More people have opened their eyes to old houses and discovered their soul. And perhaps also their own. A beautiful and healthy home does not have to be expensive; Swedish poverty has actually preserved many untouched environments. But the insulation and facade changes of the 70s and 80s have transformed much of this.

Many share the interest in old houses. Thousands of visitors come to Gysinge annually and even more reach us via the website. After 30 years, the presence of the soul is starting to become visible throughout Sweden, and the concept of Building Conservation is now widely known.