Picture Råstahem a charming villa district in Solna. It nestles just north of Stockholm. Most of its houses were built between 1925 and 1927. They were originally intended for those who worked at the SJ railway depot. That depot later moved to Ulriksdal.
Råstahem’s story begins with the Swedish State Railways SJ. They needed housing for their employees. So they created Ulriksdals järnvägshem. This translates to Ulriksdal railway homes. Only SJ employees could buy plots. They had to meet specific criteria. They needed at least five years of service and nine years until retirement.
The houses had strict building rules. They had to be two stories high with a basement. Think of the careful planning. Imagine the orderly rows of houses emerging. Thirty-four plots were built in 1925. They were named Putsaren Eldaren and Föraren. These were evocative names. They reflected the jobs of the railway workers.
Råstahem grew steadily. The last plot was built as late as 1957. Many houses were prefabricated Borohus houses. These came from Landsbro Trävarubolag in Småland. SJ had a beneficial contract with this company. Popular house types were Gullebo Solhem and Furubo. Many houses have since been extended. Garages and other additions were made.
One main street is Schultzvägen. It’s named after Herbert Schultz. He was SJ’s district manager in Stockholm. He championed the creation of Råstahem. The name changed to Råstahem sometime in the 1940s. It’s still a vibrant and desirable place to live. It shows the legacy of the railway workers who built it. Their homes stand as a testament to their hard work and dedication. This quiet neighbourhood holds a significant piece of Stockholm’s history. It is a peaceful residential area. It shows a glimpse into the past. The history is still visible in the charming architecture.