Climate optimized block at the Kiruna Square

Kjellander + Sjöberg and Skanska are to be among those developing the first part of the new Kiruna around its central square. This after having been awarded the land transfer agreement for a new urban block after a completed competition organized by the Kiruna Municipality. The essential focus of the task is to provide good urban qualities that are sustainable in the long-term and adapted to the subarctic climate, as well as to preserve and further develop the local identity.

The proposed urban block comprises new housing units around a green courtyard, Fjällbäcken, with a natural local character, introducing sustainable solutions for rainwater management and supporting opportunities for species dispersal transversal to the longitudinal urban structure. The overall shape of the block is optimized for the extreme local conditions including large snow loads, with considered snow storage space creating an effect and lending quality in winter. The inner courtyard is connected to the Kiruna Square by a diagonal public staircase that turns into a ski slope during winter time. The ground floor facing the square offers an attractive social content with multipurpose areas for young people and sport and leisure activities for all generations that can be used year-round. The buildings are expressed in natural materials of local character, such as stone and wood.