The Blocks of Svindersberg
Reinterpreting the city block
Svindersberg is a 4.3 hectare development site located in central Nacka. The area is undergoing dramatic transformation with extension of Stockholm’s subway line, which will attract thousands of new housing units. Nacka Municipality is utilising the new development to create a comprehensible urban structure from a fabric that is divided up by hilly terrain and clusters of isolated housing developments. The Svindersberg site exemplifies this challenge. The site is in perfect position to contribute to the urban realm, but it’s steep and uncompromising terrain forms a significant barrier to creating a clear and coherent urban extension.
The Blocks of Svindersberg combat the difficult topography of the site through an innovative interpretation of the traditional city block typology. A traditional urban grid is draped over the sloping hillside. The tough landscape breaks, twists and cracks the structure, changing it, while never destroying its clarity or overall form. The cracks and openings formed by the shifts invites the surrounding landscape to spill into the urban fabric. The result is ‘best of both worlds’ block typology that has strong, defined urban boundaries, and at the same time responds and adapts to its context.
Building heights range from two to seven floors and a number of different facade materials, colours, window types, and balconies enrich the texture of the neighbourhood. In terms of volume and massing, the blocks take inspiration from the surrounding neighbourhoods. By combining tower blocks, apartment blocks and row houses, the existing housing options are repurposed through novel and invigorating combinations.
LOCATION
Nacka, Stockholm, Sweden
DATE
2017
SIZE
4.3 ha
TYPE
Land Allocation Competition
STATUS
Completed - 2016
CLIENT
Tobin Properties
PROJECT TEAM
Patrick Verhoeven, Martin Arfalk,
Alessandro Macaluso, Andrei Deacu, Mariada Stamouli
COLLABORATORS
Adept Architects
The grid meets landscape
The traditional city grid is adapted to Svindersberg’s challenging topography
Taking the best of both worlds
The blocks retain clarity and form urban rooms, while also accommodating the steep terrain
Responding to four sides
The plan takes responsibility for defining the street, connecting adjacent neighbourhoods and protecting from the highway.
Simple plots
Although on a tough site, the plots are rationally laid out to maximise usable area and convenient living
View from the balcony
A number of different facade materials, colours, window types, and balconies enrich the visual texture of the neighbourhood.
Urban landscape
The spaces between buildings carefully balance the logistical needs of moving with programmed spaces and natural landscape
View from the courtyard
The generous courtyards allow for plenty of daylight for the apartments and provides room for local outdoor life.
