A landmark on Trossö, with an urban and exclusive feel and high quality materials. CA Fastigheter had a clear vision when they went looking for an architect to take on something as unusual as an entirely new residential complex in the middle of Karlskrona’s old town centre. We immediately loved their attention to details and wanted to create something unique so we were very happy to be awarded the contract. From our office in Kalmar, we were able to efficiently move the work forward through daily contacts.

“Nordstjärnan has been a dream partnership. The interaction and trust between CA Real Estate and us has meant both a fun process and really nice architecture where we really have been able to combine function and aesthetics. We all put our heart and soul into this project.”

–  Johan Kjellnäs, architect in charge

Special conditions – rational solutions

The project consisted of designing an eight-storey apartment block with eighteen apartments in eight different designs, including a penthouse with a direct entry using a lift. All have views in different directions with large windows, balconies or terraces. The zoning for the sloping plot required a regulated volume and one of the first challenges was to utilise the property as much as possible within the narrow boundaries. We also needed to develop a rational building process since the central and rather cramped position makes specific demands on things such as transports and lead times.

Bricks that can be hung onto the facade

Throughout the design process, we have focused on durable, high-quality materials. Many are traditional but adapted to a modern expression. The facade is clad in glazed, nuanced screen bricks, mounted quickly on hidden rails. The ground floor features granite ceramic, while gold-anodised steel plates cover large parts of the penthouse and roof. Fully glazed balcony railings add another layer of contrast against the brick.

An interior design concept with great care

We have developed the interior design from the planning stage to the final concept. The starting point here has also been the attention to detail and real materials and that the environments should mirror the architecture of the house. Large, open plan areas designed to maximise the intake of light and the view. We have worked hard on the interaction between the different rooms, using few materials selected with care. Buyers of the new flats will have the opportunity to choose between two different interior design concepts. Both have been developed using timeless, tactile materials and an integrated technique.

3D illustrations offer potential buyers a feel for the project

As part of the project, we have created 3D renditions to support the sale of the homes. Our illustrations show Nordstjärnan’s exterior and its place in Karlskrona’s cityscape. They also depict the interiors and design concepts. Take a closer look at Nordstjärnan at nordstjärnan.nu. Moving in date is calculated to be 2017.

Two projects – one vision

Together with AF Bostäder, we have developed two sister projects that explore and challenge the impressions we have of surface efficient living concepts. One of them, Bokompakt, is today finished student flats in Lund, where the focus is on sustainability and quality in a small space. The 22 homes made from wood, where each resident has 10 sqm, form part of AF Bostäder’s development project for the homes of the future.

The other project, 10 smart sqm was developed as a first prototype of Bokompakt for the exhibition TRÄ 2013 at Virserum’s art gallery. The prototype was a contribution to the debate about how small a home can be, whether small can still mean quality, whether wood can still look modern, and what an entirely industrial product made from cross-laminated timber could look like. 10 smart sqm was only developed as an exhibition prototype and is not being produced nor is it for sale. But the challenges are still there and we would love to discuss them with you at any time.

Despite the small size, the dwellings have everything a student needs: a mezzanine for sleeping, kitchen, bathroom and even a small area for horticulture with a patio.

From 25 to 10 sqm

Building homes that students can both afford and want to live in requires bold thinking. To optimise living space, we partnered with AF Bostäder and reduced the Bokompakt dwellings from the standard 25 sqm to just 10 sqm. This was made possible when the Land and Environmental Court approved a deviation from Boverket’s building regulations.

Bokompakt was developed in partnership with students and with a constant focus on functionality, safety and quality. Despite the small size, the dwellings have everything a student needs: a mezzanine for sleeping, kitchen, bathroom and even a small area for horticulture with a patio.

Wood – beautiful and environmentally friendly

The prototype 10 smart sqm was constructed from cross-laminated timber – a carbon dioxide neutral and renewable resource. The industrial treatment of the KL wood offers new possibilities for new shapes on doors and windows. The wood is produced locally and is both light and pliable. Industrial construction means shorter construction times, moisture proof manufacturing and a better working environment for the builders. The characteristics of the wood contribute to the environmental impact of the construction sector in a positive direction. In addition, it is a beautiful material that creates a special atmosphere for the residents.

Viral impact

In 2013, 10 smart sqm gained enormous attention when we created a film with young actors to showcase future housing. Local media followed the filming closely, and soon after, the prototype went viral worldwide. In 2014, 10 smart sqm toured Sweden—a journey that ended with it being sold to the highest bidder.