Nestled in the picturesque heart of Österlen, where the cultural landscape converges with the sea, lies “Kivikhusen”. This development features a thoughtfully designed, small-scale community comprising 33 wooden houses, garden rooms, and interconnected street spaces that seamlessly link to Kivik's historic village core. The built environment is intricately woven with nearby vegetation and draws inspiration from the traditional Skåne style of framed courtyards. The spatial arrangement of the buildings not only creates inviting walking paths and communal gathering spots but also shapes the communal apple orchard, which serves as a centerpiece for the area. The topographical features of the landscape are accentuated by the orderly composition of the built environment and its dynamic roofscape.
Kivikhusen emerged as a result of a land allocation competition held in 2018, driven by a compelling urban planning vision where shared spaces for both residents and visitors play a pivotal role. The design takes cues from the village's own structure, characterized by its intimate spatial configurations, including narrow alleys, front gardens, strategic sightlines, and carefully considered dimensions. It was essential to preserve these qualities which resonate with principles of social sustainability while adapting them in a contemporary fashion suitable for a new location and era.
In Kivikhusen, the main street acts as a string of inviting forecourts, leading to more private entrance courtyards discreetly enclosed by wooden fences. Notably, some of the courtyards at the rear of the house provide direct access to the communal apple yard. This layout fosters an urban atmosphere, where private and public spaces coexist in close proximity, enriching one another's experience. Simultaneously, the area retains its rural charm, offering residents constant access to verdant greenery, ensuring a harmonious blend of urban and natural environments.
THE HOUSES
The development showcases two distinct types of residences, both of which may evoke the imagery of boats resting upside down, poised for launch. Each unit is entirely enveloped in timber paneling, complemented by a profiled metal roof. Internally, the houses are predominantly constructed using two key materials: untreated plywood and raw concrete. The walls and ceilings are fully enveloped in wood, while wood fiber insulation further enhances the sustainability of the design.
Sweden boasts a rich tradition of wooden houses, with numerous preserved timber structures dating back to the Middle Ages. Timber is recognized as a sustainable and environmentally friendly natural material, characterized by its renewability and significantly lower carbon dioxide emissions in comparison to other construction materials. Additionally, wood fosters a pleasant indoor climate, enhancing the overall living experience.
The design draws inspiration from the village environment of Kivik as well as the principles of boat building. The spacious internal volumes, juxtaposed with relatively compact external spaces, are reminiscent of studio houses. The internal and external areas, each distinctly belonging to the house and the garden, seamlessly merge into one another, fostering a fluidity in living spaces. In the courtyard lies a small studio, designed to accommodate various uses, including a guesthouse, creative studio, or writing retreat, among others. This thoughtful integration of space and function exemplifies a modern approach to living that honors tradition while embracing contemporary needs.
