Vertical VillageVertical VillageVertical Village
The new homes in Wendelstrand are part of a new district planned for a site by Lake Landvetter in Gothenburg, Sweden. ThamVidegård’s contribution is a solid timber version of the Vertical Village scheme the practice designed for a site in Stockholm in 2009. The concept proposes an alternative to the row-house typology, offering each unit a private garden while maintaining the same efficient density as standard row-houses.
This is achieved through vertical rather than horizontal massing, where compact three-storey homes sit within rounded plots defined by high hedges of flowering bushes.
The result is a green, small-scale urban environment with qualities reminiscent of historical garden cities. A fine network of meandering pathways is shaped between evergreen hedges. These pathways create a clear definition between private and public space, connecting the neighbourhood internally while linking it to the surrounding area.
All houses are identical but are oriented in different directions and finished in a variety of colours—Falu red, green, black, and untreated natural grey sawn wood—to provide rich and varied urban spaces. The vertical organisation creates a sequence of living spaces for each home: a social entrance floor with a private garden protected by high hedges; more secluded bedrooms on the upper floors with expansive views across the new neighbourhood and natural landscape; and a top-floor studio featuring a large skylight.
The entire project is planned for solid timber construction (CLT) and will comply with the highest environmental and energy standards through the use of high-precision prefabrication and robust, sound choices of materials and fittings throughout. The scheme’s densely planned and integrated greenery and landscaping will promote local biodiversity and contribute to the creation of a long-term sustainable housing neighbourhood.
Each home comprises 140 sqm of floor area and offers one to four bedrooms. The top-level studio can be fitted with an additional sleeping loft or a roof terrace.
