Wooden panels of varying widths create a unique rhythm across the facade. This is Skagershuset.
Skagershuset stands proudly in Årsta, a southern Stockholm suburb. It’s more than just an apartment building. It’s an award-winning example of modern urban planning.
Completed in December 2013, Skagershuset quickly gained recognition. It was named Stockholm Building of the Year in 2014. In 2016, it was among the nominees for the prestigious Wood Prize.
The name Skagershuset comes from the street it calls home: Skagersvägen. The street itself is named after Lake Skagern. This lake sits on the border between Värmland and Västergötland.
Skagershuset embodies the Promenadstaden plan. This plan aims to densify Stockholm’s suburbs. It seeks to create a more vibrant and cohesive urban environment. Årsta is specifically targeted for expansion within this plan.
Before Skagershuset, this corner of Sköndalsvägen, Skagersvägen, and Vindomsvägen was a green space. Between 2012 and 2013, Åke Sundvall Projekt and Åke Sundvall Byggnads erected this building. OWC Arkitekter designed it.
The surrounding area boasts charming narrow houses. These houses date back to the 1940s and 1950s. The architecture firm Wejke & Ödéen designed some of them. OWC Arkitekter cleverly linked Skagershuset’s exterior to these buildings.
However, Skagershuset stands out. It doesn’t feature traditional plaster or brick. Instead, it boasts fire-impregnated cedar cladding. Moelven Wood AB supplied this beautiful wood. Three different panel profiles create visual interest. Their widths range from 93 to 193 millimeters.
Skagershuset rises four stories. A penthouse sits atop the building. The north facade faces the street and remains relatively closed. The south side opens up with balconies and terraces.
Wood is the star of Skagershuset. The frame and facade are made of wood. The entire complex was prefabricated. Moelven Building Module created 112 volume elements in a climate-controlled environment. These elements were then transported to the site. This method significantly reduced construction time. It took only one year to complete.
Karolina Keyzer, Stockholm’s city architect, praised Skagershuset. She noted its vibrant cedar facade. She highlighted its system construction. She admired its beautiful scale. Keyzer believed Skagershuset demonstrated how new developments can enhance established neighborhoods. It shows how new and old can interact.
Skagershuset features 33 modern apartments. These apartments are filled with light. They range in size from two to five rooms. This equates to 58 to 110 square meters. Each apartment has either a patio, balcony, or roof terrace. These face southwest for optimal sunlight. Elevators, private storage, and garage parking add convenience.
The building prioritizes resource efficiency. It showcases strong environmental awareness. It shows care in material selection. The use of wood is key. It’s a renewable resource. Low energy consumption is ensured. District heating is utilized. Practical waste sorting is available. Individual metering of hot water promotes sustainability.
Skagershuset demonstrates thoughtful design and environmental consciousness. It creates a comfortable living experience. It is a modern architectural gem in Årsta.