From Timber to Treasure

Celebrating Iconic Wooden Structures in Sweden

Wood has long been recognized as a vital material in the realm of sustainable construction. Its unique properties and benefits make it an increasingly popular choice among architects, builders, and environmentalists alike. In this discussion, we will explore the various motivating factors that contribute to the growing preference for wood in construction projects, particularly focusing on three notable examples of architecture that utilize wood for their facades in Sweden.

In this post about wood architecture, I would like to highlight those SPACES crafted from wood that have transformed into meaningful PLACES, each leaving a lasting impression on me.

“Changing a space to place is the existential purpose of architecture” – Norberg-Schulz

In no particular order, these are Råå pre-school designed by Dorte Mandrup, Aula Medica at Karolinska Institutet by Wingårdhs and 79&Park Hillside by BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group.

Råå pre-school, winner of the Swedish Timber Prize 2016, located on a scenic beach near the city of Helsingborg, enjoys a special relationship with the landscape in which it is anchored, a connection with nature and natural light. This game of slopes that creates special and diverse spaces indoors, also invites you to play on the roof.

Råå pre-school designed by Dorte Mandrup arkitekter

79&Park Hillside, a residential of 169 apartments covered with cedar wood, was created in such a way as to create a visual and tangible connection with nature.

What particularly attracted me was the play of volumes, this pixelation, as well as the carefully chosen orientation of the wooden panels. They give a human scale to the entire volume and create diversity at the same time.

79&Park Hillside by BIG Bjarke Ingels Group

Aula Medica impresses from the outside with its curved facade with an inclination of 33°, an overhang of 23m and countless colored triangular glass sections anchored in a glulam frame.

As for the interior, none other than Gert Wingårdh can describe it better.

“Inside the Aula Medica there is a general feeling that I think we Scandinavians like. It’s inviting, warm and intimate”

Aula Medica at Karolinska Institutet by Wingårdhs

There is no doubt that it is true what Henry Plummer says in his book Nordic Light - Modern Scandinavian Architecture about Scandinavia that it "retains an intimacy with wood that continues to resonate in the Nordic Soul. [...] The immersion is atmospheric, as well as material, for the continues timber forms a vessel that collects and concentrates the aroma of wood, and presents a complex but unified whole, vibrant with light modulations, in which every tone contributes to the overall ambience. The ambience may not be bright, but it is nevertheless rich in mood, with a tawny glow that evokes the peace of the primeval forest.”

This is clearly seen from the mastery with which Scandinavians put it into work with visions for the future.

For enthusiasts, there are many offices worth following, but to name a few: Henning Larsen, SHL - Schmidt Hammer Lassen, 3XN/GXN,. C.F. Møller Architects

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