When the floor gives way, the heart must carry

At Fridhem course center, many steps have been taken over the years. Laughter, silence, songs, meals, and meetings have left their traces in the walls and floors. But right now, it is the dining hall floor and the exterior of the building that need our care.

This spring, Fridhem has once again faced significant and unexpected costs. We are now reaching out to you – to those who have been here and know what Fridhem is, or to those who may simply feel called to help preserve a living space for nature, creativity, and human connection.

In March, we discovered a new water damage in the dining hall. When the floor was opened, we found that a large part of the subfloor had been severely damaged by moisture and fungal growth. Fortunately, it is not dry rot, but the entire dining hall – 104 square meters – now needs a completely new subfloor and insulation. The estimated cost is at least 300,000 SEK, and unfortunately the insurance does not cover the damage.

But it does not end there.

We have also discovered that large parts of the supporting sill beams on the eastern side of the building, as well as vertical timber structures, are rotten and need to be replaced. New exterior panels are also required for restoration. The final cost is still unknown, but funding for cultural heritage buildings like this is often difficult to secure.

On top of this, new fire safety requirements have been added. All doors to the guest rooms – a total of 14 – need to be treated with fire-protective paint, at an estimated cost of 150,000 SEK. In addition, two new emergency exits are required, including new doors in the course rooms and external escape ladders. This is estimated at a minimum of 100,000 SEK.

Yet in the middle of all this, there is also a longing – to soon open the doors again, to fill the rooms with life, meetings, and music… and to dance once more in Gryckensalen.

That is why we are reaching out to you.

Every contribution, big or small, makes a real difference and helps us preserve and continue developing this living place.

Would you like to be part of carrying Fridhem through this?

We are deeply grateful for all support.