The project is a conversion of an existing office building into twenty apartments. The existing structure is located right on the waterfront in central Mariestad, with a fantastic view over the outlet of Tidan into lake Vänern. The original building was constructed in 1961. It is five stories high, with a recessed attic floor, and represents a kind of ordinary functionalism, with a light plastered façade and white window bands spanning the entire length of the building. The horizontal expression is only contrasted by a subtle vertical division of the façade, reflecting its load-bearing structure.

The concrete framework, parts of the roof, as well as the existing stairwell and exterior walls facing adjacent properties, have been reused. The building's exterior has undergone a complete transformation, with new balconies facing the street and the courtyard, and a distinctive recess on the top floor, that creates a generous rooftop terrace. The courtyard has been rearranged to work as a communal space for the residents with a small garden and some places for sitting. A ramp has been added to the entrance on the courtyard side to make the building accessible by wheelchair.

The layout of the plan is organized around the common stairwell, with four apartments on each floor. Two two-bedroom apartments are dual aspect, and one is facing the street. There is also a smaller, one-bedroom apartment towards the courtyard. Windows and openings between rooms have been carefully placed to ensure good light conditions throughout the deep plan. Living rooms and kitchens are generally placed towards the street and the view of the water, and bedrooms are primarily facing the courtyard. The top floor apartments all have generous bifold doors connecting the interior to the rooftop terrace.

The design concept for the new street facade is based on the order of the load-bearing structure of the existing office building, and an architectural analysis of the central parts of Mariestad. The proposal takes inspiration from the surrounding fabric of the city, characterized by well-defined ground floors, relief motifs on the facades, and windows with vertical proportions.

The new street facade features an ordered grid of openings, with generous balconies facing the water and the afternoon sun. The façade is clad in a glazed ceramic tile, in two different colors. The tile has a wavy shape which gives the façade an ever-changing expression depending on the time of day. The façade towards the courtyard is much less elaborate, with a plastered finish in a warm grey tone. Great care has been taken in detailing the façade to ensure precise transitions between different materials and to provide well-designed, long-lasting solutions. The goal has been to give the existing office building a new, contemporary design with a residential character.

Team:
Architect: Murman Arkitekter AB
Photo credits: Åke E:son Lindman