Kvarteret HamnenKvarteret HamnenKvarteret Hamnen
This urban development project at Bällsta Bridge serves as a new landmark entrance to Sundbyberg, harmonising historical preservation with contemporary residential architecture. By transforming a north-facing industrial site into a south-facing residential oasis, the proposal creates an attractive living environment that maximises natural light and waterfront views. The project integrates a restored 19th-century industrial building with a slender new brick tower and a lower volume of duplex studios, all centred around a lush, shielded courtyard designed for social interaction and recreation.
The heart of the project is the meticulous restoration of a late 19th-century industrial building. By removing later additions, the original character of the structure is revealed, featuring a prominent gabled roof with yellow brick and white-washed façades. This building will house fourteen apartments and a ground-floor café facing the Bällstaån waterfront and promenade. This transformation shifts the site’s identity from a utilitarian loading yard to a welcoming public space that connects the building's history with the modern pulse of the city.
Complementing the historic core is a high-rise residential tower designed with a light brick exterior that pays homage to Sundbyberg’s functionalist history. The building features a "social axis" that links a grand entrance hall and sculptural staircase directly to the courtyard. It houses 64 flexible apartments, ranging from one to four rooms. A key feature is the exterior "filter" of stepped balconies and French windows, which provide residents with private outdoor space while acting as a visual and acoustic buffer against the surrounding urban environment.
Positioned strategically at the bridgehead, the tower’s stepped height aligns with the varying rooflines of the neighbourhood. Along Landsvägen, a lower building volume contains four double-height "studio-apartments" that can function as live-work spaces. This layout creates a protected, sun-drenched courtyard that is shielded from traffic noise. The garden is designed as a multifunctional green space featuring deciduous trees, allotments, and play areas, potentially topped with a rooftop greenhouse to emphasise the project’s commitment to urban nature.
The project is defined by a commitment to longevity and high-quality materials, utilising brick, glass, concrete, and steel to ensure beautiful ageing with minimal maintenance. To navigate the constraints of a small construction site, the design utilises a regular structure optimised for prefabrication, which shortens assembly time and allows for greater investment in premium finishes. From energy-efficient ventilation systems to robust acoustic insulation, the technical execution ensures a sustainable, high-quality living environment that is economically viable for long-term management.
