Wäckare Äng

There are 360 degrees, why only use one?
Wäckare Äng is located north of Stockholm, approximately 20 minutes by train from the central part of the city. The aim of this project was to create an unique architecturally varied residential area, with a distinct environmental profile naturally adapted to the surrounding landscape. The development consists of a mix of 63 semidetached and terraced houses, mainly grouped along two streets, separated by a green. A meandering earth wall embraces the site, adding identity and a sense of place.

Sustainable energy resources are promoted in both production and usability. Wäckare Äng provides low energy heating by the use of a complete exhaust air heat pump providing heating, hot water, ventilation and heat recovery. The exploitation of solar energy and local purification of rainwater are other examples of sustainable solutions. Much effort has gone into certifying the use of sound building materials.

Our work comprised of an overall planning and design of the site as well as designing the buildings. The scope of work included planning of infrastructure, landscape, house types and an energy plan.

Design features:
The roof ridges are diagonal, giving the houses an asymmetrical façade and variations in the street face. The terraced houses form a non linear wall, the angular roof line giving an impression of the houses being folded along the street. This refers back historically to the manor house nearby, whose stables have a similarly angled façade and roof. The play with angles also brings suspense and dynamics to the interior of each house.
Our work also included a landscape vision with a central unifying “tree sculpture”. This group of trees resembles the heritage from the Baroque park of St Wäsby Manor, located 250 m north of the site. Our idea was to manifest nature with three symbolic linden trees made of corten steel, in the central meadow of Wäckare Äng.

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