Located on the quayside of the Munksjön Lake, these two urban housing blocks are based on a long term strategy of sustainability. Rather than a row of standard housing slabs, the requested number of apartments was assembled into two large units. The two compact volumes establish a solid position proportionally acceptable both to the city as well as the lake. It also minimizes the building envelope in line with the low energy concept. An outer layer of terraces surrounds the perimeter of the buildings and provides all apartments with generous outdoor spaces. It also offers a buffer zone between the intimate domestic interior and the vast scale of the water landscape and urban context outside. These are contained within a transparent screen of anodized aluminum that doubles as terrace railing. The curvature of its geometrical pattern varies every two floors, giving the complex a distinctive image. The apartments are organized around a large vertical atrium that also functions as a natural preheating of fresh air, thus contributing to overall energy efficiency. The top-lit stairwell dignifies a grand entrance hall and provides an important interior space for visitors and tenants in which to socialize...[+]