EUmies Awards 2015

A new mix and complement to the neighbourhood in Botkyrka.

The project Fittja Terraces forms the area's first new production of houses for the selling market and is a welcomed addition to the large existing rental housing stock built in the 70's. The new buildings create a clearly integrated lively strip between the local centre and Fittja Äng further down towards the water. The environment becomes a small-scale urban addition with intimate places that form the backdrop for social meetings. The focus is an interesting characteristic architecture with greenery, variation and a rich diversity of housing types and sizes.

Fittja Terraces are an important project for the area, creating a greater mix and an affordable option in the size and quality to the existing housing stock. The aim is to create opportunities for a housing career locally. The project proved to be very popular: all units were sold in a short time.

The smaller scale of Fittja Terraces is a precondition to establish new urban qualities. The public space and block structure can be understood from a human perspective, at eye level. A series of places connects the buildings with the centre and recreational facilities at Fittja Äng. The square is filled with everyday functions and city life. The public areas are welcoming and open to all, while a secure atmosphere is guaranteed with "eyes on the street" from the adjacent housing units.

The low dense urban structure allows space for private gardens both in front and at the back of the house combined with common green space. Edible gardening, private greenhouses, flower beds and more, are a way of increasing one's quality of life and of connecting with the local community in the long term. The basic structure of small-scale public spaces and venues provide opportunities for neighbourhood spirit and community in the area. At the same time the layout and landscape design specifies limits for privacy through the placement of low walls, hedges and fences.

Through a deliberate focus on mixing different sizes of households, types of accommodation and providing a complement to the area's homogeneous nature - in terms of both content and architecture - Fittja Terraces are a step towards social sustainability in Botkyrka.



Facts

Type: City Planning, Housing

Status: Completed

Size: M 1000-10 000 sq m

Year: 2013

Location: Fittja Äng, Botkyrka
Client: Hemgården and Botkyrka municipality
Program: 6000 sq m, 62 units
Principal: Stefan Sjöberg

Team: Ola Kjellander, Sylvia Neiglick, Axel Freij, Lena Viterstedt, Andreas Lebisch
Collaborator: Funkia landskapsarkitektur

Awards: 1st prize parallel assignment
Mies van der Rohe Award 2015, nomination