Blending sustainable homes for modern living
Published on: December 19, 2024
Home is the hub of everyday life, a place where we should feel safe, comfortable and have space for a large part of life’s needs. A residential building that is designed and constructed today is shaped by our contemporary perception of housing – a marker of our own time. From a sustainable perspective, the residence should be able to evolve and transform with time along with the people who choose to live there.
At Sweco, social, economic and ecological sustainability always takes centre stage. Based on research, we create beautiful and sustainable homes where people are the focus. Studies reveal that your residence has a significant impact on your health and well-being. Through the use of daylighting, beautiful rooms, generous spatial connections and well-thought-out social spaces, our homes contribute to well-being by providing space for both rest and activity.
Sweco’s architects have experience in different types of housing in all stages, from large urban development projects to detailed design of multi-family residences as well as small houses, and even housing that includes space for trade and commercial premises. For us, it’s not just what’s inside the walls that matter – the residential building is a dominant expression of the city’s form and identity. They contribute to the overall cityscape, so it is important that the environment is connected to the city or landscape in terms of volume and material selection through facades, entrances and roofs. We make a real effort and have high goals when we participate in creating future secure, sustainable and comfortable homes.
High-quality coastal living in southeast Norway
The residential area Oksenøya in southeast Norway borders the beautiful Oslo fjord and consists of apartments in various clusters, with immediate access to the Fornebu peninsula’s 12-km-long coastline. The design integrates the distinctive landscape transitions, from sea to mountain and sand to meadow, creating high-quality homes with a calm and natural atmosphere.
The development aimed to combine housing needs with respect for nature, creating spaces of social value. Vegetation is used as a shield for the apartments, with reinforced grass at ground level to maintain a green character while providing practical surfaces. The result is a residential area that blends seamlessly with nature, with buildings and vegetation creating harmonious spaces. The long beach promenade connects the homes, leading to the sea, where the story of Oksenøya continues to unfold.
A versatile residential and commercial complex in Stuttgart
Located in the historical old town area of Stuttgart, Eberhard Street is a multifunctional residential, office and retail building consisting of three distinct parts, drawing on the characteristics of the neighbouring urban environment. Several important historical buildings are located close to the project, such as the Hegel House, the Graf Eberhard Building and the Tagblatt Tower.
In close collaboration with the client, Sweco has developed a versatile new complex that fits well into its highly frequented and remarkable urban setting, respecting the historical surroundings while optimising the ground floor area. The vertical green facades in the courtyard are aesthetically pleasing and provide ecological benefits to the area. The building’s design ensures that it complements the historical context while introducing modern and sustainable architectural elements.
A new high-rise landmark in Gothenburg
The new high-rise building, Brf Kronjuvelen, is set to be a landmark for Gothenburg. With its 26 floors, it redefines the silhouette of the Eriksberg district. The design reflects the area’s industrial history while updating it to meet contemporary needs. The exterior has a distinct red colour with dark brick, creating interesting contrasts. The apartments are designed with good sightlines and adaptability, featuring thoughtful floor plans and high-quality materials. The building is also awarded the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, signifying its sustainable credentials.
The 26-story building contains 179 apartments, ranging from studios to five-room apartments. Most apartments offer views in multiple directions, with the top floors featuring a communal space with a glass-enclosed terrace and a sauna. This design takes full advantage of the location, providing residents with spectacular views and a high quality of life.
Creating a vibrant urban space in Copenhagen
Himmelbyen, a large ultra-urbanisation project in Copenhagen, stacks the different functions of a modern city. This 26,000 m² mixed-use project comprises retail facilities, businesses, green urban areas, and 128 apartments located on the 6th floor, offering magnificent views of the city and natural attractions of Amager Nature Park.
The project resulted from a close collaboration between architect and client, built on a challenging corner plot in the new urban district, Ørestad. The design densifies the city by stacking multiple functions on the same plot. The lower floors house consumer-oriented functions, while the residential area is on the 6th floor. The building is welcoming, designed on a human scale, and opens onto the street and surroundings, creating a vibrant urban space.