Västra KajenVästra KajenVästra Kajen
Located on the quayside of Lake Munksjön, these two urban housing blocks are based on a long-term sustainability strategy, creating attractive residences on one of the finest sites in central Jönköping. Rather than a row of standard housing slabs, the required number of apartments has been assembled into two large units. These compact volumes establish a solid presence, proportioned to suit both the city and the lake, while minimising the building envelope in line with low-energy principles.
An outer layer of terraces surrounds the perimeter of the buildings, providing all apartments with generous outdoor space. These are contained within a transparent screen of anodised aluminium that diffuses light and, through its arched form, creates alternating open and filtered views. This serves as a buffer zone between the intimate domestic interior of the apartments and the vast scale of the water landscape and urban context beyond. By shifting the voids in the screen every second level, a characteristic pattern emerges that unites the six floors into one distinct, cubical volume.
The apartments are organized around a large vertical atrium, a top lit stairwell dignifies a grand entrance hall and provides an important interior space for visitors and tenants in which to socialize. The atrium hall also functions as a natural preheating of fresh air, thus contributing to overall energy efficiency. The majority of the apartments are located in the corners, all benefitting from good views and light.
