Tile House

Tile House

Tile House is a striking example of high-quality inner-city redensification in Stockholm’s Vasastan district, designed by renowned architectural firm Kjellander Sjöberg. The project was initiated to fill one of the last undeveloped sites in the neighbourhood with a residential building that is sensitively attuned to the urban context. Located in the immediate vicinity of historic Wilhelminian-style buildings and the new Hagastaden urban development area, Tile House combines tradition and the future with architectural precision.

The urban planning challenge was to develop a building in a confined space that both respects the scale of the existing buildings and sets new standards. Despite complex structural conditions, including an underground railway line, an existing car park and limited load-bearing capacity, the building was completed in just two years and was ready for occupancy in 2024. The façade, designed with green-shimmering glazed ceramic tiles and dark anodised metal cassettes, gives the building a distinctive identity with a clear horizontal structure. An actively designed base zone with generous glazing promotes dialogue between inside and outside and helps to enliven the street space.

The design follows a holistic approach that focuses on sustainability, urban quality and social responsibility. Kjellander Sjöberg developed the Tile House as a contribution to an inclusive, liveable city, a goal that is reflected not only in the architecture but also in the social success of the project. Even during the marketing phase, it became clear how much the house had struck a chord: 74 of the 79 apartments were sold in just one weekend.
Tile House shows how sensitively planned architecture can create new qualities of living in harmony with the history of the place and the requirements of a modern, growing city.

Image by Nils Ole Sørensen

Kjellander Sjoberg

Kjellander Sjöberg is a renowned Swedish architecture firm founded in 1998 by Mi Inkinen, Stefan Sjöberg and Ola Kjellander. With studios in Stockholm, Malmö (since 2015) and London (since 2021), the firm is known for its innovative, integrative and sustainable design philosophy. Kjellander Sjöberg takes a responsible and collaborative approach based on cooperation, open dialogue and a strong desire to make living spaces more sustainable and social for everyone.

The firm works in a diverse range of fields, from strategic master plans and public spaces to residential projects and workplaces to the redesign of historic buildings. Each project reflects a commitment to authenticity, context and location identity.

KS sees its studios as creative laboratories – spaces where ideas are developed, tested and refined in collaboration with communities, clients and stakeholders. The firm is deeply committed to regenerative design and strives to make the best use of available resources.

Kjellander Sjöberg fosters a strong culture of knowledge sharing and teamwork, with a focus on collective learning and innovation. This culture extends to its partnerships and public engagement, ensuring that its projects remain relevant and impactful.

The firm’s work has been recognised nationally and internationally and has won awards such as the Kasper Salin Prize, the Urban Design Award of the City of Malmö, the EUmies Awards and the Dezeen Awards. KS has also presented its work worldwide, including at the Biennale di Venezia, Archtober NYC and ArkDes in Stockholm.

Image by Nils Ole Sørensen

Neighbourhood

YESTERDAY
Vasastan was established at the end of the 19th century during Stockholm’s rapid expansion. The district was originally planned as a residential area for the growing middle class and is characterised by closed block development and magnificent Wilhelminian architecture. Many buildings, especially along Odengatan and Karlbergsvägen, bear witness to the architecture of this era. In its early years, Vasastan was also home to craft businesses and small industrial enterprises. Vasaparken and Stockholm City Library by Gunnar Asplund – a masterpiece of Nordic classicism – are still important reminders of this historic phase. Vasastan developed early on into a culturally vibrant district.

TODAY
Today, Vasastan is a popular and lively district with a mix of urban flair and a cosy residential feel. It is characterised by numerous cafés, small boutiques, restaurants and well-preserved old buildings. The district is also home to cultural institutions such as the Sven-Harrys Art Museum and Vasaparken, which serves as a meeting place for families, sports enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation. Its proximity to universities and good transport links make Vasastan particularly attractive to young professionals and students. At the same time, the district’s historic buildings and green courtyards make it a quiet retreat in the middle of the city.

TOMORROW
Vasastan’s future prospects are characterised by sustainable development and the desire to combine its historical heritage with modern requirements. Planned urban development projects focus on upgrading public spaces, improving cycle paths and climate-friendly construction. The adjacent new district of Hagastaden is bringing innovation and urbanity to Vasastan with research facilities, housing and modern workplaces. At the same time, great importance is attached to social diversity and the preservation of architectural identity. Vasastan is set to remain a district that combines diversity, quality of life and history, serving as a model for the Stockholm of the future.

Image by Jakob Thomsen

Project process

BACKGROUND
The project was initiated to develop one of the last undeveloped areas in Vasastan in a meaningful and high-quality way. The aim was to create urgently needed living space while responding to the complex urban situation with a high degree of design sensitivity. The site on Norrbackagatan is located at the interface between historic residential neighbourhoods and the new urban development area of Hagastaden. This presented an opportunity to create a building that both respects the local context and makes a contemporary contribution to urban development.

PLANNING
The planning was characterised by complex conditions, both above and below ground. As an inner-city infill development, the building stands directly above Stockholm’s underground railway line and an existing car park. The special location required precise safety clearances and weight restrictions. The architecture is based on a clearly structured design with horizontal façade divisions, an active base zone and recessed upper floors. Dark metal cassettes and green-shimmering ceramic tiles give the façade a finely structured appearance.

IMPLEMENTATION
Construction of the Tile House began in 2022 and, despite challenging structural conditions, was successfully completed in just two years. The first apartments were ready for occupancy in 2024.
The marketing phase already revealed the high level of interest: 74 of the 79 units were sold in just one weekend, a clear sign that the project is responding to a genuine housing need in Stockholm.