Tampen
A seaside setting
Tampen, on the island of Varvsholmen in Kalmar, combines remarkable natural scenery, high-quality architecture and evidence-based design. Something above and beyond the ordinary, in other words. It’s no coincidence that the association is called Fyren (“The Lighthouse”).
The Tampen residential area is situated at the tip of the island, with expansive views and beautiful natural scenery. Tengbom has completed two buildings – one bigger, one smaller. A third is under construction. The island was once home to an old industrial shipyard, where ships were still built 50 years ago. Now the area offers housing for about 2,000 people who enjoy daily life beside the ocean’s waves. They are all within comfortable cycling distance of Kalmar’s city center.
Harmonious architecture and engineering
The residential area offers wide-open views in every direction and showcases natural beauty year-round. Many corner units in the large building allow light to enter from multiple sides. The design features elegant, tactile façades finished in terrazzo with crushed white marble stones. Large balconies complement this material, demonstrating how architecture and engineering can work in harmony.
The balconies provide shade and wind protection, drawing inspiration from Japanese engawas—spaces that connect indoors and outdoors to enhance contact with nature. At 2.5 meters wide, they create uninterrupted views from the inside, free from distracting elements. Throughout the process, architects, landscape architects, and interior architects have prioritized visual freedom, ensuring a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.
An ode to concrete and a tribute to its aesthetic
Maximizing the experience of nature via algorithm
To make the most of the sea views and natural light, the architects collaborated with Tengbom’s digital studio. They analyzed the views from every angle, considering building positions, wind conditions, and light exposure. This approach maximized daylight while ensuring the façade provided shelter from strong winds.
The result? Bright rooms with windows and balconies offering over 80 percent uninterrupted views. It’s about as close to a lighthouse as one can get.
Concrete as a statement
Concrete plays a central role in both buildings, shaping their style and flexibility. The design emphasizes details, replacing ordinary concrete walls with 45° angles for a seamless integration of structural elements. The completed buildings draw inspiration from brutalism, serving as both an ode to concrete and a tribute to its aesthetic.
The structure is simple, exposing its raw construction while incorporating intricate details. The appearance of the concrete shifts depending on the viewer’s distance, adding depth to the design. To minimize visual noise, the team removed unnecessary components and toned down materials and colors, allowing the raw beauty of concrete to take center stage.
