Our concept

With Södra Rosendal, we have created an area marked by the positive values associated with a pleasant small town. A complete "city district in miniature form" where the design of the buildings and their relation to the external environment contribute to a minimal transition between home and "outside".

As one of the first projects to be built in this area, our neighbourhood makes its mark not only on the surroundings, but also on people's perception of the new district s a whole. A unique, appealing design along with consistently high quality of construction was therefore crucial to establishing the right image. A greater mix of design, volume and height along with a more playful positioning of buildings creates the feeling of a natural extension of the city rather than the typical character of a newly developed "periphery". Our structure is based on several types of small buildings executed in various materials combined in different ways, where buildings are attached and detached in similarity to the style that so clearly defines parts of Uppsala's old town. That gives Södra Rosendal a greater sense of belonging to the city of Uppsala, both physically and emotionally.

As an area, Södra Rosendal has major assets in the form of green and recreational spaces, often directly visible from kitchen or living room windows. Nature, fitness, play and other forms of outdoor social activities are found just round the corner. We have created a ubiquitous sense of proximity to community, nature and recreation. Our urban plan and architectural design of the area will support and communicate a clear and strong vision of all the positive values that the area has to offer in the form of housing quality, well-being and social dynamics.

Urban plan and buildings

We have placed great value in architectural variation within the neighbourhood and between the individual buildings. Building heights and volumes are varied and the street level is vibrant. A small-scale and mixed design provides an element of recognition that increases a feeling of security. Placement of the buildings and lines of sight through the area provide good natural light to courtyards and outdoor spaces, facilitating orientation of the area. The neighbourhood consists of an inner "village road" and some green gardens connected to the homes.

The view from Vådsätravägen showcase Södra Rosendal at its best, and raise interest in the area as a whole. The buildings facing Vådsätravägen are not designed as drastically divergent signature buildings, but rather as clear representatives of the area's architectural character. The relatively closed row of buildings facing Vådsätravägen will serve as a lovely backdrop while creating a noise-free and pleasant environment in the courtyards. Three smaller openings to the road also provide passers-by with a visual taste of our original urban plan and small-scale architectural expression that so clearly characterises the entire area.

Areas with poor conditions for business lettings often face problems with monotonous facades and closed ground floors. Our proposal gives the homes on the lower ground floors, in locations where commercial premises are not appropriate, their own private entrances in order to create liveliness and variety. It also gives these homes enhanced quality through direct access to both private and communal outdoor areas. Vibrant ground levels minimise the number of poorly lit and "desolate" spots, which contributes to an increased sense of security.

We have built sound easily accessible cycle rooms with plenty of space for parking. Along with well-executed cycle paths, it will encourage residents to choose the bicycle for both long and short journeys.

The commission

The Municipality of Uppsala's held a land use competition for the new district Södra Rosendal. Out of a total of ten entries, the competition we won together with our client ByggVesta. The jury's motivation: "The winning proposal from ByggVesta, developed in collaboration with Utopia Arktiekter, prompts a discussion on architecture, urban planning and housing, and translates these ideas into a physical design with distinct character and good achievability."