Sjöporten in Malmö, Sweden

The Block Forms a Cohesive Whole

The Stapelhuset stands taller, relating to the expansive open space of Stapelbäddsparken. The placement of windows and recessed balconies follows a rational system shaped by the constraints of brickwork. Yet, the building maintains a sense of dynamism through subtle angles in its plan and roofline, adding a refined elegance.

In contrast, the townhouses face the school and youth center, aligning with the scale of these lower buildings and the more intimate character of Kilgatan. Despite their proximity to other structures, they retain the qualities one expects in a townhouse, offering multiple private outdoor spaces both towards the courtyard and the street.

On the third side of the block, Lilla Varvsgatan stretches – a busier, larger-scale street. Here, the street-facing building presents a more enclosed façade, with a wall that folds upward to form a roof after the fifth floor. This design makes the structure appear shorter than a typical seven-story building, aiming to create a more comfortable street environment. The gable side takes advantage of its position with unobstructed views of Varvsparken, featuring large glazed spaces and generous balconies.

The corner building functions as an extension of the street-facing block, distinguished by a split in the top two floors. A subtle shift in façade color and a distinct gable design sets it apart, harmonizing with the adjacent Stapelhuset.

A unifying feature across all building types is their construction using varied forms of brick, creating well-defined volumes and silhouettes. The small courtyard, sheltered by the surrounding buildings, connects to adjacent spaces through passageways between the structures. On the inner side of the block, exterior balconies animate the courtyard, while those facing the street are recessed and clad in wood to create sheltered, inviting outdoor spaces even in more exposed locations.

Integrating the Urban Context with Green Spaces

The block’s exterior sides are carefully attuned to the surrounding urban context, shaping a sheltered, green courtyard accessible through four passageways. These passageways allow movement through the block, linking it to the district’s nearby highlights—Stapelbäddsparken to the east and Varvsparken to the northwest.

The central social space is framed by a row of mature Japanese cherry trees, a wooden deck, a stage, and an extended pergola. The pergola serves as a transparent boundary between the townhouses and the courtyard, offering direct access for all residents. Despite its modest size, the courtyard provides ample room for gatherings and play in a safe, leafy environment.