Villan, Helsingkrona nation

"Friends for life" is a new student housing concept that we have developed in close cooperation with Helsingkrona nation in Lund. The form of accommodation is most reminiscent of large apartments.

The villa at Helsingkrona Nation is an eight-storey building with a ten-room apartment on each floor. On the top floor there is a smaller version of the large apartment with five rooms. Each student has their own bedroom, toilet and shower, but shares the kitchen, dining area and living room. The generous common areas with spectacular ceiling heights are integrated into the layout in a completely different way to the traditional student corridor. There are balconies with growing spaces and a communal rooftop terrace with views for miles. On the ground floor, a restaurant serves as a soft interface between the students and the rest of the city.

The Villa has several clever features such as site-built furniture, recessed lighting and smart storage to minimize wear and tear when moving in and out, requiring less new purchases for new students.

The new building consists of 65 student apartments, a restaurant and common rooms. These are linked to an older student housing building, designed by Sten Samuelsson in the 1950s, which we are also renovating the facade of.

We have assisted Helsingkrona nation all the way from idea to occupation. We have developed a new detailed plan in collaboration with Kristianstad Nation, Akademiska Hus and Svenska Hus who own the neighboring properties. FOJAB has also been responsible for designing the tender documents as an architect and general consultant. Subsequently, we have had a double assignment with a clear organizational division: we have been the client advisor for Helsingkrona nation and we have designed construction documents for the contractor.