Solhagaparken Residential Complex: A Sustainable Urban Living Solution by Murman Arkitekter

Located in Masmo, Vårby, Sweden, the Solhagaparken Residential Complex is a contemporary housing project designed by Murman Arkitekter. Completed in 2021, this five-story development spans 5,120 square meters and integrates seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, offering modern, sustainable living near Stockholm.

Urban Context and Architectural Integration

Masmo, a suburb approximately 20 kilometers south of Stockholm, is known for its mix of modernist architecture, lush green spaces, and efficient public transport links. The area, originally developed in 1964, features large red brick apartment buildings surrounding Solhagaparken, a central green hub. The new residential complex respects the area's existing urban fabric while introducing contemporary design elements that enhance the neighborhood’s livability.

Bordered by Botkyrkaleden and Södertäljevägen highways, Masmo presents a dynamic urban environment with contrasting landscapes—from the steep Masmoberget slopes to the westward waterways connecting Huddinge and Botkyrka. The Solhagaparken project is carefully designed to respond to these conditions, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency.

Innovative Design for Urban Living

The U-shaped building layout maximizes natural light and optimizes acoustic insulation, providing residents with comfortable living spaces despite nearby traffic noise. The structure is strategically placed along Varvsvägen, enclosing a protected inner courtyard adjacent to Solhagaparken.

Key design features include:

• Dual-aspect apartments for enhanced natural ventilation and daylight.
• Outdoor walkways offering access to the apartments from the inner courtyard.
• Generous balconies along the street-facing façade, designed to balance privacy, noise reduction, and usability.
• Integrated storage units between balconies to create semi-private outdoor spaces.
• Partially glazed balconies on exposed apartments, further reducing noise impact.

Sustainable Materials and Construction

The project emphasizes sustainability through locally sourced, eco-friendly materials. The facades feature thermally treated wood, ensuring durability while blending harmoniously with the surrounding natural environment. Windows and balcony doors are crafted from anodized aluminum, known for its longevity and low maintenance requirements.

Other notable material choices include:

• Dark brown steel railings and balcony details, adding a sense of unity and modernity.
• Vertical wooden pillars, painted in a complementary brown shade, reinforcing the building’s architectural identity.

Enhancing Community and Connectivity

The Solhagaparken Residential Complex is more than just an apartment building—it contributes to the urban regeneration of Masmo by introducing cost-effective, well-designed homes near public transportation hubs. The majority of the new apartments are compact, catering to modern urban dwellers seeking accessibility and efficiency.

With sustainable design, thoughtful urban planning, and a strong connection to its natural surroundings, Solhagaparken sets a new benchmark for residential architecture in Sweden.

All Photographs are works of Johan Dehlin