Between the trees

The winning proposal, “Between the Trees,” is rooted in preserving the natural values of the site, creating a coexistence between humans and nature. The vision is a residential environment where the forest is not merely a backdrop but becomes an integral part of everyday life. The winning design consists of four buildings grouped around a shared courtyard with a common house. The buildings – one with four floors, two semi-detached houses, and one row of townhouses – will comprise 33 apartments.

Living in the forest’s embrace

Here, you truly encounter the forest. The buildings almost seem to have sprouted from the ground. Their wooden facades and balconies with sturdy columns reflect the strength and resilience of the trees. Glades are formed between the buildings, where greenery winds its way into the courtyard, becoming part of daily life. Large glass sections blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, and the balconies are not just places to rest – they are small gardens in the air. Lift the wooden floor and grow herbs, tomatoes, or berries directly in the balcony’s structure.

The competition team worked on the idea of a living environment where people and animals can coexist, and where the forest’s presence is felt in every detail.

Lift the wooden floor and grow herbs, tomatoes, or berries directly in the balcony’s structure

“Living with the forest doesn’t just mean living near nature but being part of its ecosystem,” says Annelie Drackner, architect at Tengbom in Gothenburg. “Creating architecture that lives with the forest required constant reflection from us: How can we adapt to the forest’s conditions while preserving its integrity?”

Gather in the courtyard house

The heart of the neighborhood is the courtyard “Gläntan,” a place for play, relaxation, and community. Here, children can build forts, jump between stones, and explore small paths. Behind the glazed doors of the courtyard house lies a flexible common space for everything from gardening to birthday parties or crafting on a rainy day.

The landscape architects from Mareld have preserved the existing natural terrain and ecosystems as much as possible. Forest paths connect the neighborhood to the surrounding nature, and the plantings in the clearings are chosen to support biodiversity.

“With the competition theme ‘Living with the Forest,’ we started from the site’s existing values and character, which we want to preserve, let guide, and dictate the terms for the design,” says Åsa Setterby Modeus, project lead landscape architect at Mareld.

But it’s not just people who will live here. In the forest and on the facades, there are bird and bat houses, insect hotels to protect vital pollinators, and perhaps even buzzing beehives. Here, there is a balance between humans and nature that feels as natural as it is enchanting.

Resilience for climate change

The proposal prioritizes preserving as much of the existing green structure and ecosystems as possible. The mature forest provides natural shade, protection against extreme heat and wind, and slows down stormwater. The buildings are also designed with sustainability in focus. Green roofs on the apartment building, courtyard house, and storage units help manage stormwater and improve the microclimate. Gardens by the semi-detached and row houses provide natural shade and promote biodiversity. The green balconies function both as cultivation spaces and sun protection during hot days.

“We want to build an environment where the sound of the pines is never far away,” explains Annelie. “Using natural materials and knowledge about the site’s life forms, we can create something that feels both harmonious and alive.”

Annelie Drackner

Part of something bigger

The plan is to begin construction in 2026. “Between the Trees” will be part of the larger Östra Strand area. The development will also include a preschool and a shared forest park. This project envisions a future where sustainability, community, and nature go hand in hand.