High6

You can summarise the research project High6 which Tengbom is a part of as a new way of building multi-family houses, High6. Modular buildings are not a novelty in of themselves, as villas have been manufactured in the factory and sold turnkey for a long time, but most higher buildings are designed and produced in other ways. Now this is changing. The project makes it both more sustainable and easier to plan housing construction.

The company Obos has been building homes since 1927, among other brands such as Myresjöhus and Smålandsvillan. But they were interested in developing their business, investing in a new market and exploring alternative ways of building, which is where the collaboration with Tengbom got its start. Next year, the six-storey building High6 will be erected in Kalmar.
“It is a positive development that architects have started to approach the industry, and vice versa. Everyone benefits from it. In the end, it gives a better result and better housing. This is an important trend and we are one of the architectural firms leading the way”, says architect Joao Pereira.

The best of both worlds

The project required using Obos’ existing factory and working with module dimensions of 4 x 12 meters. This approach allows for efficient manufacturing and easy transportation of the apartments to their final location. The development includes 31 apartments, assembled from 64 units. Wood serves as the dominant material, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The team maximized available technology to enhance the manufacturing process. In addition to housing, the project features communal spaces, including a bicycle workshop, a greenhouse, and a shared roof terrace.

The factory as a lab

For architects, this is in part a new way of working. The modules are manufactured in their entirety in the factory, complete with a refrigerator, freezer, and a washing machine, and then driven just over 10 miles to the place where they are to be placed. To assemble the entire six-storey house then only takes one working week. The advantage of the close cooperation between the manufacturers and the architects is that the development work has been able to continue throughout the project period.
“The factory works in this case as a laboratory. Since the modules are completely built on the conveyor belt, you can enter the apartments before they are in place. We can see how things work before everything is finished and make improvements before the modules are assembled”, says Joao Pereira.

The vision was a final product of high quality, well-functioning construction, and respect for both the residents and the surrounding environment

High quality is the be-all and end-all

One challenge with the project has been to design a building that makes everyday life better for people while at the same time having to meet strictly given manufacturing templates. Design and function are the focus, rather than technical specifications. What do people want a home to offer? What is needed for a family? These needs have been analysed, and the responses and desires shown there have been adapted to the given frameworks.
“The vision was to deliver a high-quality, well-functioning building while respecting both residents and the surrounding area,” Joao Pereira said. “We have now reached that point.”