LOCATION
Gustavsberg, Sweden
DATE
2016 -
SIZE
11 ha
TYPE
Masterplan - Invited competition
STATUS
Phase 1 Completed - 2016
Phase 2 Ongoing
CLIENT
Municipality of Värmdö
PROJECT TEAM
Martin Arfalk, Patrick Verhoeven, Danny Bridson, Andrei Deacu, Betty Laurincova, Francesca Savio
COLLABORATOR
Adept Architects, EkologiGruppen, Tyrens, Kreera
Vattentornsberget
The mountain meets the city
Gustavsberg’s Vattentornsberget (Water Tower Hill) is an 11 Hectare site located on the Eastern edge of Gustavsberg Centre. The complex site is almost entirely composed on a sloping terrain that disrupts the connection between the existing neighbourhood Munkmora at the top, to Centre down below.
The town is split on how to approach developing the site. One side supports an ambitious push forward for the town, utilising new build to reinvent the centre, the other advocates a cautious handling of the surrounding landscape. We decided that both were right and pushed forward a strategy that enthusiastically embraced both ends of the spectrum.
By carefully analysing and categorising the existing slope gradients, access opportunities and forest qualities we were able to place the land on site into one of two categories - Yes! (we should build here) and No! (here should be protected). Together the strategies form a development plan that embraces urban and landscape qualities simultaneously - inviting new ways to experience the town and the nature that surrounds it.
The Water Tower
View from the protected landscape to Gustavsberg’s hilltop landmark
Topographical Linkages
The plan connects the existing Munkmora neighbourhood to the Town centre
Building the plateau
The development meets the city centre with an urban street
Contextual neighbourhood
The plan utilises topography to create the best situations for housing and public space
Path to Munkmora
Existing paths are repurposed for new connections
