Margretedal

A living room in street form
Urban Development
Idea & Vision, Plan & programs, Residential
Client: Riksbyggen, MIdroc, Nordr, Lunds kommun, LKF, LKP
Location: Margretedal, Lunds kommun
Project years: 2017-ongoing
Assignment: Parallel mission for the Margretedal quarter

Can the warmth of home life be extended into the streets? Tengbom’s proposal for Margretedal reimagines the urban space — creating entirely new social arenas.

Tengbom and Margretedal go way back. In 1999, we won an architectural competition to transform this former industrial area in Lund into a residential neighbourhood. Nearly 25 years later, the city has evolved, and so have the needs of its residents. Increased traffic on Södra Vägen and an open structure that no longer serves the area mean it’s time for a new approach.

The vision? Bold and compact. Three architecture firms, including Tengbom, joined the challenge of proposing a new structure. The goal was to create central-city living with high residential quality, striking architecture, lush greenery, and a rich cultural environment.

The park houses feature lightweight materials and sit among abundant greenery, creating an experiential and varied urban space. The block remains open while maintaining a sense of enclosure through the surrounding street areas. Hardebergastråket transforms into a scenic promenade that enlivens the neighborhood.

Architecture that fosters new connections

As a city with a constant influx of visitors, Lund demands a strong contextual approach. Our ambition is to create a district with great social qualities — a place that actively encourages encounters between people.

A street that invites life

Our proposal makes the city more accessible — imagine a lively, green street where paths cross, dogs play, and neighbours stop for a coffee. The urban environment is designed with variety in mind: a vibrant social thoroughfare, intimate alleyways, and private retreats.

The building scale in the alleys and the generous forecourt area create space for spontaneous encounters and interactions among neighbors.

Neighbourhood life, designed for well-being

Developed in close collaboration with Lund Municipality and the developers, our design prioritises quality of life. A mix of housing sizes creates diverse living opportunities, while varied building heights and a carefully designed roofscape enrich the overall experience. Many buildings will also feature private or shared rooftop terraces — perfect for gardening or spontaneous gatherings.

The angled and narrowing alleys reduce noise from the south while creating a comfortable scale and climate within the streets. In the park buildings, private balconies pair with a shared rooftop terrace, keeping outdoor space always within reach.

Harmonious tones of brown and beige define the neighborhood. Shared outdoor areas blend with private residential courtyards, terraces, and individual outdoor spaces.

Contact person

Ulrika Lundquist

+46 40 641 31 33