10 smarta kvadrat & Bokompakt

Future living in efficient living space
Client: AF Bostäder, Martinsons
Location: Lund, Virserum & Malmö
Years of commission: 2011–2013
Type of project: Student housing
Contractor: Ulestedt
Competences: Residential

Accommodation for students wanting sustainability, low rent and space efficient solutions. That was the challenge we took on in partnership with AF Bostäder. Without compromising on the environmental aspects, the finances or the quality, we developed Bokompakt, 22 turnkey student flats in Lund. The prototype 10 smart sqm is one of the most talked about projects we have ever designed and it still features regularly in media all over the world.

Two projects – one vision

Together with AF Bostäder, we have developed two sister projects that explore and challenge the impressions we have of surface efficient living concepts. One of them, Bokompakt, is today finished student flats in Lund, where the focus is on sustainability and quality in a small space. The 22 homes made from wood, where each resident has 10 sqm, form part of AF Bostäder’s development project for the homes of the future.

10 smarta kvadrat Tengbom 2011
Photo: Bertil Herzberg

The other project, 10 smart sqm was developed as a first prototype of Bokompakt for the exhibition TRÄ 2013 at Virserum’s art gallery. The prototype was a contribution to the debate about how small a home can be, whether small can still mean quality, whether wood can still look modern, and what an entirely industrial product made from cross-laminated timber could look like. 10 smart sqm was only developed as an exhibition prototype and is not being produced nor is it for sale. But the challenges are still there and we would love to discuss them with you at any time.

Despite the small size, the dwellings have everything a student needs: a mezzanine for sleeping, kitchen, bathroom and even a small area for horticulture with a patio.

From 25 to 10 sqm

If you want to build homes that students can both afford and want to live in, it is necessary to think out of the box and be brave. By optimizing the living space, we in partnership with AF Bostäder managed to reduce the Bokompakt dwellings from today’s requirement of at least 25 sqm down to 10 – thanks to the fact that the Land and Environmental Court approved a deviation from Boverket’s building regulations.

Bokompakt was developed in partnership with students and with a constant focus on functionality, safety and quality. Despite the small size, the dwellings have everything a student needs: a mezzanine for sleeping, kitchen, bathroom and even a small area for horticulture with a patio.

10 smarta kvadrat Tengbom 2011
Photo: Bertil Herzberg

Wood – beautiful and environmentally friendly

The prototype 10 smart sqm was constructed from cross-laminated timber – a carbon dioxide neutral and renewable resource. The industrial treatment of the KL wood offers new possibilities for new shapes on doors and windows. The wood is produced locally and is both light and pliable. Industrial construction means shorter construction times, moisture proof manufacturing and a better working environment for the builders. The characteristics of the wood contribute to the environmental impact of the construction sector in a positive direction. In addition, it is a beautiful material that creates a special atmosphere for the residents.

Viral impact

10 smart sqm received enormous attention in 2013, when we made a film in partnership with a group of young actors to show what our homes could look like in the future. The filming was closely followed by local media and shortly afterwards, the prototype went viral throughout the world. In 2014, 10 smart sqm toured Sweden – a journey that ended in it being sold to the highest bidder.

The team behind this project

  • Linda Camara Office Manager Kalmar, Architect SAR/MSA
  • Pontus Åqvist Architect
  • Lina Rengstedt Architect MSA
  • Olof Nordenson Interior Architect
  • Magnus Juhlin Design Architect

Contact

Linda Camara Regional Manager +46 480 36 36 70