C.F. Møller Architects have won the competition to create a new landmark in Västerås, Sweden.
The winning project is a high-rise building including a panoramic garden on the 15th floor.
The high-rise building will create a significant new silhouette in Västerås skyline and a characteristic landmark for the entire district of Lilludden. The three-dimensional facades and a green panoramic garden on the 15th floor overlooking the city and Lake Mälaren characterizes the architecture. C.F. Møller suggests in the competition proposal that the frame is carried out as a hybrid of solid wood and concrete.
"The architecture and details of the facades are inspired by the light reflections on Lake Mälaren. The result is a three-dimensional and dynamic facade composition that is exciting both near and from afar. The panoramic garden placed high up in the building is a focal point for the city and a fantastic common area for the residents of the house. The ambition of the architects has been to optimize the synergies between the city, building and urban greenery,” explains Ola Jonsson, Architect and associate partner at C.F. Møller.
Relief and light
The building's footprint is in the form of an elliptical shape with facades facing all directions of the compass. Balconies sweep along the tower facade and are connected by the height of thin glass panels that are rhythmically placed along the balconies. The thin horizontal balcony edges and the vertical and sheer glass sheets give the facade a lightness and reflect the light of the place. The glass panels have further integrated lighting that illuminates and highlights the facade - even at night.
C.F. Møller suggests that the frame is executed as a hybrid between solid wood and concrete. Concrete is the supporting construction up to the 15th floor at the panoramic garden, above the remaining seven floors will be framed in solid wood. Thus, the two different materials will be utilized in a positive interaction.
The facades are covered with undressed wood, which is weather protected by the overlying balconies on each floor. The balconies can be closed and serve as winter gardens with the possibility of growing crops and extend the seasons throughout the year. The residential area has a variety of apartment sizes and thereby create diversity in the residential profile.
Focus on social sustainability
The new tower block creates the framework for a new destination and meeting space for the entire area. The building's ground floor will make room for restaurants and commercial buildings that can be integrated as a part of the sun-drenched square. The outer area of the square will include a generous plant wall and green areas, as well as the panoramic garden; this is all a part of C.F. Møller's strategy to integrate plants, green areas and ecosystems in the urban landscape.
The architectural competition was organized by Riksbyggen in Västerås and decided in January 2017, C.F. Møller's proposal is explained with words of praise by the competition's jury:
- A beautiful house with good use of the site - both in terms of location and the creation of the square. The best proposals for urbanity on the ground floor and the surrounding area. A great number of apartments as well as the distribution of sizes.
The other architects who took part in the competition were Wingårdhs & Tham and Videgård Architects.
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Nick Myall
News editor
