In 2017, a new and very unique residential district called Vallastaden emerged in the Swedish town of Linköping. The first phase of the housing project resulted in 1000 homes being built by 40 different architects. Many of the buildings are designed to capture attention, with bold shapes, colors and choices of materials. However, one of them stands out as different.
For the creation of a semi-detached house with four apartments, the renowned Swedish architect, Thomas Sandell, from sandellsandberg arkitekter, decided to contrast with something a bit subtler, yet still full of life. He called it “Lilla Integralen”. Inspired by old industrial buildings, Lilla Integralen features a volume that is surrounded by a sinusoidal profiled color coated steel façade to create an interesting and playful expression. The building has two smaller apartments on the bottom floor and two larger apartments above. It stands as an example of modern urban living with the possibility for two extended families to live together, yet in their own respective dwelling. For its unique approach to design and façade, Lilla Integralen has been shortlisted for the prestigious World Architecture Festival (WAF) Award 2019.
The distinctive façade utilizes premium GreenCoat® color coated steel in a Metallic Silver color and the sinusoidal profile effect gives the building an element of playfulness. In the architectural world, GreenCoat® is widely known for its sustainability combined with high performance.
Sandellsandberg arkitekter chose GreenCoat® specifically for its color consistency as well as strong resistance to corrosion, UV radiation and scratches, which will help ensure a building that lasts for many generations. Their decision also came down to sustainability. Most GreenCoat® products feature a Bio-based Technology (BT) coating with a substantial portion of Swedish rapeseed oil instead of fossil based oils, which are traditionally used. The unique, patented solution by SSAB reduces the environmental footprint significantly.
The highly recognized World Architecture Festival (WAF) has taken notice and shortlisted Lilla Integralen for its WAF Award 2019 in the category “Completed Buildings: Housing”. Lilla Integralen was also one of five buildings nominated for the Plåtpriset 2019.
