AN URBAN TIMBER TOWN
15 Jun 2016
Blending the urban and the natural in seamless harmony, this residential development in Sweden has been designed to set a new standard in sustainable construction and planning.
A design concept for a new residential quarter in Örebro, Sweden centres around the blending of nature and the urban environment, creating a community of private and public spaces that reflects qualities of traditional suburban living but with the convenience of an urban environment.
As the winner of a competition run by the the Örebro Municipality and the Swedish Association of Architects, the small village of Timber Town is made up of residential buildings of varying heights built around a central green with a series of public plazas. Designed by C.F. Møller Architects and C.F. Møller Landscape, the winning design is expected to set new standards in sustainable construction and urban planning.
The town’s design is set across 18, 000sqm and abuts natural parklands that work to enhance the ‘natural’ feel of the complex. Pedestrian and bike paths will also wind through the development and link to already existing pathways in the surrounding area. In addition to green public spaces, consideration has been given to private gardens and entrances for each building to provide a balance of ‘natural’ public and private spaces.
According to the architects, each building will feature both a “green” view and an “urban” view to remind them of the juxtaposition of the sites positioning and further encourage the urban community feel. In addition, timber will be used as the main material palette for the project to reaffirm the organic nature of the project.
"We wish to create an including urban quarter in which the city's urban and social qualities interact with the park's organic structures. The proposal illustrates a vision with the objective to create an exciting place in Örebro, of unique value, with innovative architecture," said Ola Jonsson, the project architect at C.F. Møller.
