What appears to be a medieval castle tower is actually the Råsunda vattentorn. Prepare to discover its secrets. This iconic structure stands proudly in Solna. It is not just a pretty building. It has a rich history and a unique transformation.
The Råsunda vattentorn was designed by architect Sigge Cronstedt. It was inaugurated in 1910. The tower addressed a critical need for the developing suburbs of Råsunda and Stocksund. Supplying fresh water was a major concern. An agreement was struck in 1909. The Ulriksdal castle administration partnered with the Råsunda and Stocksund development companies.
This agreement ensured the new communities received drinking water. The water came from the Stockholm ridge. A pumping station at Ulriksdal palace was used. From there, water traveled through a 2.5-kilometer pipeline. It ended its journey here at the Råsunda vattentorn.
Kreuger & Toll, a construction company, built both the Råsunda vattentorn and the Ulriksdal pumping station. The Råsunda vattentorn was strategically placed. It sits on a 40-meter-high hill in today’s Näckrosparken. This location is just south of Råstasjön.
The water cistern had a cylindrical shape. It was constructed of concrete. Eight concrete pillars supported it. The cistern could hold 360 cubic meters of water. The average water surface was 54 meters above sea level. The tower itself has a square layout. It measures about 110 square meters. The facades are dark red brick. They showcase a stern national romantic style. The exterior corners are rounded.
In its early days, the Råsunda vattentorn was more than just a water source. During the summer, some rooms transformed into an outdoor café. People enjoyed dancing on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The tower boasted the most wonderful views.
Around the Råsunda vattentorn and Näckrosparken, Riksbyggen developed a residential area between 1945 and 1948. It was named Näckrosen.
By the late 1940s, plans emerged for the Bergshamra vattentorn. It was inaugurated in 1951. Solna’s residents then received their drinking water from the Görväln water treatment plant. The Råsunda vattentorn was slated for demolition.
Fortunately, the tower remained. It served as a storage space. In the 1950s, the Kvarnen pharmacy used it as a laboratory. At that time, Kvarnen was one of Solna’s largest pharmacies. It had over 40 employees including drivers. Later, the tower housed artists’ studios and exhibition spaces.
In 1990, a new detailed plan was approved. It allowed for the construction of housing. However, the plan protected the tower’s exterior. From 1992 to 1994, the interior was converted. It became eight condominiums. They range from three to four rooms and a kitchen. These apartments are spread over eight floors. During the conversion, the old cistern was removed.
Today, the Råsunda vattentorn stands as a testament to innovative reuse. Its exterior remains well-preserved. It holds significant cultural and historical value. The Råsunda vattentorn is a unique blend of past and present. It serves as a reminder of the ingenuity.