Lilla Integralen
Distinctive dwelling – Lilla Integralen
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, colours 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 colour 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® colour coated steel in a Metallic Silver colour 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 colour 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.
Lilla Integralen – GreenCoat® in award-winning architecture
Thomas Sandell, sandellsandberg arkitekter
For the creation of a semi-detached house, 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”.
Lilla Integralen is currently awarded and nominated for:
- 2019 World Architecture Festival (WAF) Award
- 2019 Plåtpriset
7 questions for Thomas Sandell
What is the inspiration for this project?
The inspiration for Lilla Integralen comes from old industrial buildings where the building's volume, in contrast to the sinusoidal profile of the façade, creates an interesting and playful expression that gives the building life.
With the façade being such a central element to the design, why did you use GreenCoat® steel on the Lilla Integralen and not other materials?
We wanted a distinct expression that strengthens the architecture and therefore chose an environmentally friendly material that is both sustainable and a little unexpected. Since colour coated steel is both formable and colour consistent, it is a very good façade material that lasts over time.
To what extent did sustainability play a role in the design and construction of Lilla Integralen?
Since we see sustainability from a long-term perspective, we try to find a good balance between the environmental and social sustainability in the architecture. When we draw a house, it will last for many generations to come, and that of course places demands on the materials we use. Using steel, which not only offers environmental benefits, but also has good durability, felt obvious.
Most GreenCoat® products use sustainable Swedish rapeseed oil in the paint instead of fossil fuel oils. What do you think about this sustainable innovation for architecture?
Architecture today is not just about design, it is also about creating sustainable societies and a better world. Therefore, we must try to find different sustainable solutions. Because sustainability has become a matter of course for architects and the global demand for sustainable building materials is high, I think that GreenCoat® is at the forefront when it comes to a premium building product that is also environmentally friendly.
Why did you choose the Metallic Silver colour for the façade?
Along with the material's profiled shape, the Metallic Silver finish creates beautiful light reflections and takes it down to the street, which is a great advantage for the street scene in this relatively densely populated neighborhood. The Metallic Silver colour creates a contrast to the otherwise colourful district and goes well with the neighboring house, which is made of wood.
Do you have more examples in which GreenCoat® steel is being/ will be used?
At the moment, we are drawing a public building where we intend to use GreenCoat® as a façade material. Right now, the project is a secret, but keep your eyes open in the future!
How do you feel about being shortlisted for the World Architecture Festival (WAF) Award 2019?
It is of course an honor and proof that we have chosen the right façade material, since our goal with the project has always been to create an elegant and sober, yet playful home that will last for many generations to come.
Summary
PROJECT: »LILLA INTEGRALEN«, VALLASTADEN, LINKÖPING/SWEDEN
PRODUCT: GREENCOAT® COLOR COATED STEEL
TARGET: CREATE A SOBER, YET PLAYFUL BUILDING WITH SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS THAT WILL LAST FOR GENERATIONS
COLOR: METALLIC SILVER, RR40/SS0045
ARCHITECT: SANDELLSANDBERG ARKITEKTER
PHOTOS LILLA INTEGRALEN COPYRIGHT: SANDELLSANDBERG ARKITEKTER
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GreenCoat® proudly presents Lilla Integralen by sandellsandberg arkitekter, Stockholm