Profit for round residential buildings

FOJAB and Hamiltone have won a land allocation competition in Skummeslövsstrand in Laholm municipality with a circular building with cooperative rental apartments. An exciting and unexpected proposal that manages to both stand out and blend in, according to the jury.

Skummeslövstrand is part of Mellbystrand on the Halland coast. The community is characterized by its proximity to the sea, the long sandy beach and the natural surroundings of pine and birch forests. Here, the real estate developer Hamiltone and the architectural firm FOJAB have won a land allocation competition for a residential building, right next to the Svarvareskogen nature reserve.

The winning proposal, Gläntan, consists of a circular building that seems to have landed in the middle of a birch grove. There is no sharp boundary between the wild nature and the property, but the trees and vegetation are allowed to take their place. As little surface as possible is hardened. The round house faces outwards towards nature and has no rear sides. In the center of the circle there is an inner room, like a clearing for community and tranquility with views through the house.

The 32 apartments follow the circle like a fan and are directed both inwards towards the social, intimate space and outwards towards nature and the birch grove. The proposal shows floor plans for two different apartment sizes, two-bedroom and three-bedroom, but it is possible to create more variants.

Gläntan is characterized by a holistic approach to sustainability, from material choices and energy solutions to social and long-term quality of life. The buildings will last a long time, be used wisely and make a positive contribution to both the site and the climate.

From the explanatory memorandum:

Hamiltones and FOJAB's proposal Gläntan is characterized by a strong sense of the site's character and greenery. The circular building adds an exciting and unexpected element to Skummeslövsstrand and manages, through its shape and wooden facade, to both stand out and harmonize with the surroundings. 

With its 32 apartments, the proposal makes efficient use of the zoning plan and land, while preserving vegetation. Through cooperative rental rights, Gläntan contributes to diversity in housing and complements the existing housing supply in the coast. This form of housing also creates greater opportunities for resident influence, involvement and community, which strengthens social sustainability.