“Plankan”. Does that name evoke images of solid wood or perhaps a balancing act? Here at Plankan, the reality is far more intriguing. Plankan is not just a building. It is an entire city block on Södermalm in Stockholm. Bounded by Lundagatan, Kristinehovsgatan, Hornsgatan and Varvsgatan, this structure stands as a testament to both architectural ambition and, more recently, legal wrangling.
Until the 1960s, this area was a rather untidy industrial zone. Small workshops crowded into sheds. It was a far cry from the cohesive building we see today. Between 1964 and 1968, Hyreshus in Stockholm AB, a municipal housing company, erected this unified structure. Lars Bryde was the architect behind this transformation.
Interestingly, Brännkyrkagatan used to cut right through this block. The southern part of what is now Plankan was then known as Låset. In 2014, Plankan housed 611 residents. Today, Plankan is owned by Svenska Bostäder. They are currently working to expand it even further.
In fact, Skanska is collaborating with Svenska Bostäder to finalize the Plankan project. The collaboration is divided into two phases. Phase one involves planning. Phase two involves construction. Phase two includes two independent options. One option involves constructing a courtyard building with 92 apartments. Fifty of these will be student apartments. The second option involves adding two stories to existing buildings. This will create 45 new apartments.
But the story of Plankan has not been without its bumps. A dispute arose with Serneke. It led to legal action regarding construction delays and costs. Svenska Bostäder filed a claim for 392 million kronor. The backround was an agreement from 2019 between Svenska Bostäder and Serneke regarding extensions in Kvarteret Plankan.
The legal battle continues. It highlights the complexities of large-scale construction projects in a bustling urban environment.
Despite the legal complexities, Plankan continues to evolve. The addition of a round building in the courtyard, supported by pillars, will add 92 new apartments, 50 of which will be student apartments. The existing buildings will have 70 apartments built on the roof.
Many of the larger apartments have kitchens equipped with modern amenities. These include integrated hobs, ovens, microwaves, and dishwashers. Stone composite worktops add a touch of elegance. Smaller apartments have smaller appliances. All apartments in the first phase of the extension have large terraces or balconies.
Plankan’s location offers easy access to parks and services. Drakenbergsparken, Tantolunden, and Årstaviken are all nearby. Hornstull offers a wide range of services. Högalidsparken with its iconic church is just across Varvsgatan. Kristinehovs Malmgård, a community-driven cultural center, offers various activities.
So, as you stand here, consider the layers of history and ongoing development that define Plankan. It is more than just a building. Plankan is a living, breathing part of Södermalm. It shows the ever-changing face of Stockholm.