Kajstaden by C.F. Møller | Apartment blocks

Photographer: Nikolaj Jakobsen

Kajstaden is a central residential neighborhood near the water in the Öster Mälarstrand area of Västerås. The new neighbourhood is designed as a city block and is a natural extension of Västerås city centre.

The area includes Mälarparken and Notuddsparken, which link together to form a cohesive green area. The neighborhood has a generous view of Lake Mälaren and is located directly adjacent to the square and the quayside promenade. The concept includes an electric boat sharing scheme and a special chilled room in the lobby for food deliveries from MatHem. In its entirety, the local plan for Öster Mälarstrand contains about 700 flats with marinas for recreational boats, which are connected and integrated with new residential developments.

The neighborhood includes amongst other things a 9-storey apartment building constructed with a frame made entirely of massive wood. The load bearing walls, beams and elevator/stairwell shafts have been built with cross-laminated wood. With renewable and sustainable timber construction, the quarter manages to have a positive impact on the environment and in time the overall life-cycle perspective.

Research shows clear health benefits and qualities for people living in homes with wooden frames. Kajstaden is one of the tallest buildings in Sweden with a solid wood frame and the ongoing construction process clearly shows the advantages of building with modern wood technology. C.F. Møller Architects developed the project in close collaboration with Slättö Förvaltning and Byggbolaget.

Design Team:

C.F. Møller

Photographer: Nikolaj Jakobsen