Originally planned to reach 40 floors, Söder Torn now stands at 25. It is a testament to architectural compromise. Here we are at Fatburstrappan 18. Look up at Söder Torn. This high-rise building pierces the Stockholm skyline. Söder Torn is also known as the South Tower.
Söder Torn’s story began with grand ambitions. Danish architect Henning Larsen envisioned a 40-story skyscraper. However, Stockholm’s city planning office intervened. They forced the removal of 16 floors. Larsen left the project in protest. Söder Torn was completed in 1997.
Before Söder Torn, this site was a lake called Fatburen. Isostatic uplift after the last glaciation formed it. By the 1700s, pollution plagued the lake due to urban expansion. By 1860, the lake was filled. This created a rail yard and train station. The rail yard closed in 1980. The neighborhood was re-developed into a residential district between 1985 and 1995. Post-modern buildings define the area. A new train station was built underground near Söder Torn.
Söder Torn rises 86 meters. That is 282 feet including its crown. The tower has an octagonal floor plan. Each level houses five apartments. The building tapers as it ascends. Red granite slabs clad the facades. Inside, two elevators and a spiral staircase occupy the central stairwell. The 23rd and 24th floors feature three multi-story apartments. The top floor is a communal party room. Glass walls offer panoramic city views. Construction companies JM and SBC built it.
The Söder Torn complex includes three additional buildings. One abuts Medborgarplatsen. Together, the buildings house 172 condominium apartments and five businesses. The South Tower alone contains 85 apartments and one business. A garage provides parking for cars and motorcycles.
Residents enjoy exclusive amenities. The top floor boasts a glass-enclosed party room and terrace. Imagine the views. A lower level houses an indoor swimming pool and sauna. At the tower’s base stands La Fontaine aux quatre Nanas. This fountain sculpture by Niki de Saint Phalle draws attention. Its style and location make it a popular landmark. It stands along the path between Stockholm Södra station and Medborgarplatsen.
Söder Torn has faced criticism. Some architectural critics consider it a monument to post-modernism. One review called it a “playhouse for urban development.” Despite criticism, Söder Torn remains a prominent feature of Södermalm.
There is also a project called Strawscraper. Strawscraper is an extension of Söder Torn. It has a new energy producing shell covered in straws. The building can now recover wind energy and thus works as an urban powerplant.
As you stand here, consider Söder Torn’s journey. From ambitious plans to architectural compromise. From polluted lake to modern landmark. Söder Torn embodies Stockholm’s ever-evolving urban landscape.