Ursvik Waste Vacuum Terminal
An unexpected architectural gem
The new waste vacuum system terminal in Stora Ursvik is run completely by computers and is covered by a large wall of vegetation irrigated by sensors controlled from London. Welcome to a highly technological and environmentally friendly industrial building that – rather unexpectedly – has become a true architectural gem.
Is it possible to create a waste vacuum system to be proud of?
It was an exciting challenge we took on, to create the waste vacuum terminal in Stora Ursvik. We wanted the building to add aesthetic value to the area and become an appreciated part of the surroundings for the residents. It also had to be efficient both from a functional and environmental perspective.
Based on our vision, rational volumes emerged with few but clear effects produced. Industrial architecture with unexpected elements. The sloping façade of the largest volume covered in sheet metal contrasts with the adjacent volumes, that we covered in concrete and decorated in part with a shadowy forest motif. Offsets on the façade, a minimalist window distribution and a beautiful chimney in Corten steel plate gives a strong character to the building. It is exciting for a viewer to see both close up and at a distance.
The first BREEAM-certified industrial building in Sweden
A plant wall for cleaner air
The most effective contrast however, is probably the 250 m2 plant wall which covers the largest volume on one side. The wall consists of more than 2 000 plants and the irrigation is controlled from London using sensors. The green wall, meant to compensate for the land used also extends the life span of the building, filters pollution and cleans the air around it.
BREEAM-certified – and odour free
The waste vacuum terminal is the first BREEAM certified industrial building in Sweden. Fully functional, the system will serve approximately 6 000 flats. Through underground pipe systems several hundred meters long, food waste, packaging and paper is transported to the waste vacuum system from the homes surrounding it. The system is a closed one that keeps out both pests and insects. It does not smell either.
The building in Ursvik is normally unmanned and fully controlled by computers. The containers are emptied once a week. Heavy waste and recycling transporters use the nearby E18, keeping local traffic to a minimum. As a result, the streets become safer for both adults and children.
