What was the brief?
The entire district of StoraSköndal in southern Stockholm is currently undergoing an extensive transformation. During the first stage of the urban development, a new main street and a local square will be formed. KS was commissioned to design a vibrant meeting place by the new square, a building with a flexible programme serving as a restaurant and a gathering point.
The project comprises a redesign of the existing brick building of the Magnolia complex and reorganizing the existing large-scale catering kitchen to serve two sides: a large canteen for students and public as well as a new restaurant space. The form of the extension is simple; a generous roof with overhanging eaves echoing the serial roof structure of the existing Magnolia complex. The restaurant will act as a vibrant and illuminated backdrop to the square as well as create a new main entrance to Magnolia with all its functions of a health care facility and a university college.
What were the key challenges?
The key challenge of the project was to create avisible wooden structural frame. To create visible joints and constructive details that will be pleasant to look at when visiting the restaurant requires a lot of hard and inspiring work.
What materials did you choose and why?
All materials usedboth internally and externally are living materials that will age beautifully.
The structural frame of the extension is made of prefabricated laminated timber elements, loadbearing columns and beams securing shear and lateral stability. This gives a contrast to the existing heavy brick buildings in the surroundings. The diagonal form of the carcass constitutes the unifying element providing the building with its distinct characteristics and detailing as well as creating a subdivision of the space. The floor is made of polished cast-in-situ concrete. The wooden interior is consistent and gives the space a warm welcoming atmosphere.
Thecopper sheet façadeis pre-oxidized to get a dark brown surface that naturally continuing develop and change with time.
Materials used:
- Facade cladding: Copper sheet cassettes, Aurubis Nordic Brown
- Flooring: Polished cast-in-situ concrete, HTC Superfloor Silver
- Doors: Steel doors, Schuco
- Windows: Steel windows, Schuco
- Roofing: Copper sheet, Aurubis Nordic Brown
- Interior furniture: Site built wooden furniture
- Structure: Prefabricated laminated timber elements
