Wohnhochhaus / New landmark in Västerås

The winning C.F. Møller and C.F. Møller Landscape Project is a 22-storey High-rise Building including a Panoramic Garden on the 15th Floor.

The 22-storey high-rise building marks a new significant silhouette in Västerås skyline and a characteristic landmark for the entire district of Lilludden. The three-dimensional facades and a green panoramic garden on the 15th floor overlooking the city and Lake Mälaren characterize the architecture. C.F. Møller's design also proposes that the structure is carried out as a hybrid of solid wood and concrete.

"The architecture and details of the facades are inspired by the light reflections on Lake Mälaren. The result is a three-dimensional and dynamic facade composition that is exciting to watch both at close range andfrom a distance. The panoramic garden placed high up in the building is a focal point for the city and a fantastic common area for the residents of the house. Our ambition has been to optimize the synergies between the city, building and urban greenery,” explains Ola Jonsson, architect and associate partner at C.F. Møller.

Relief and Light
The building's footprint is of an elliptical shape with open facades facing all directions of the compass. Balconies sweep along the tower facade and are connected by tall thin glass panels that are placed rhythmically along the balconies. The thin horizontal balcony edges and the vertical and sheer glass sheets give the facade a lightness and reflect the characteristic Nordic light. The glass panels have integrated lighting that illuminates and highlights the facade - even at night.

C.F. Møller proposes that the frame is executed as a hybrid between solid wood and concrete. Concrete is the loadbearing construction up to the 15th floor at the panoramic garden, and above this level the remaining 7 floors will be framed in solid timber, making the best use of the two different materials.

The facades are covered with undressed wood, which is weather-protected by the overlying balconies on each floor. The balconies can be closed and serve as winter gardens with the possibility of growing crops and extend the seasons throughout the year. The residential complex has a variety of apartment sizes and thereby creates diversity in the residential profile.

Focus on Social Sustainability
At the foot of the high-rise building, a new destination and meeting space for the entire area is created. The building's ground floor will make room for restaurants and business premises facing a sun-drenched square. The outdoor space of the square will include a generous plant wall and green areas, and together with the panoramic garden at 15th floor this is part of C.F. Møller's strategy to integrate plants, green areas and ecosystems in the urban landscape.