joliark constructs metallic apartment complex in stockholm, sweden

joliark constructs metallic apartment complex in stockholm, sweden
all images courtesy of joliark

a metallic apartment complex has been erected on a former industrial site outside stockholm, sweden by the local architectural office of joliark. the project comprises 44 dwellings organized within two volumes. ‘a driving force in the design process has been the preservation of a pure and simple material expression. rigorously composed meetings between wood, concrete and steel ensure the maintenance of a sense of whole,’ says per johanson of the firm.

strict lines and a high precision in the metallic facade

the façade wraps around the structure like a protective cloak of galvanized steel, an image emphasized by flush precision detailing. the thematic solidity of the work is juxtaposed by its western elevation, where double height balcony compartments create the explicit doll’s house aesthetic that the architects intended to represent. according to the studio, ‘as a metaphor, the doll’s house also relates particularly well to the legibility of the buildings, the internal arrangement manifesting itself clearly to the passerby as the balconies define the scope of each dwelling.’

a high level of precision integrates gutter and drain

the units are modularly assembled into a taller volume stacking 23 maisonettes and a shorter portion where maisonettes and single-storey apartments collaborate. a south facing communal garden separates the two metal clad buildings that are connected by a glazed circulation tower distributing access to the residences by a system of balconies. strategically positioned between the garden and the kitchen, these access terraces become a natural place for social interaction.

double-height apartment visible through the façade

the private zones are set apart from the more public areas by straightforward means, collecting the bedrooms upstairs in the dwellings or facing north. internal openings illuminate central spaces to generate a greater volumetric transparency without compromising the sense of privacy.

the wood-clad balcony grid contrasts the bright steel 

openness is a common theme throughout, blurring the boundaries between inside and outside. the cast fin walls framing the balcony compartments continue internally as an exposed concrete wall. natural stone slabs in the window ledges spill down on the floor, where the heating is distributed via stone frieze sitting flush with the timber boards. the wood, in turn, transcends the domestic realm to form a warm backdrop.

the concrete wall blurs the boundaries between inside and outside

material collage

the seamless character of the metal envelope has been achieved through meticulous technical solutions. roof gutter and drainpipes have been carefully integrated into the surface, the galvanized fabric folds sharply over corners, tucks away window frames and pleats into a weather bar. perforated sheets make up the metal balustrades and coats the freestanding escape towers to further the smooth material impression. the façade panels are welded to a framework that connects directly to the concrete wall, their rhythm harmonizing with the spacing of windows and is reflected in the glass pane arrangement of the main circulation tower.

(left) a freestanding glazed staircase tower serves both buildings 
(right) a pure and simple material expression 

apartment layout 

ground floor plan

upper level plan 

project info:

type: housing
location: mariehäll, stockholm, sweden
year: 2014 – 2015
area: 5750 sqm
architect: per johanson (architect in charge), stina johansson, amanda hedman
client: reinhold gustafsson förvaltnings AB
photo credits: joliark/torjus dahl (exterior) joliark (interior)

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