Our Way 1
MODELLEN 4 F or some of those involved in the bui
lding, named after its property reference, Modellen 4, the story started 40 years ago. Mikael Eskils, now managing director of Wallfast, was a student at KTH at the time. As part of the course, they visited Vasastan in the capital where the city council had decided that all buildings in courtyards should be torn down. In the end, the council had a change of heart and only one house was levelled, leaving one courtyard empty. Fast forward to 2006, and Mikael Eskils is back in that courtyard. This time, as the owner of the property and with plans to resurrect the empty space. “We’ve owned this plot for more than 15 years and it’s always nice to see a project being finalised. I’m extra proud of this building being constructed in wood,” says Mikael. I’M EXTRA PROUD OF THIS BUILDING BEING CONSTRUCTED IN WOOD. Mikael Eskils Managing Director Wallfast THE PROJECT HAS had its fair share of obstacles to overcome. First there were issues with the permit process, then came the war in Ukraine and its effect on building materials supply. And then the challenge of finding a way to transport all the materials in through the small portico. Despite all that, in the end the process has been described as smooth, due to a great collaboration with the construction company and close communication with the neighbours. “No one appreciates having a new building built next door, but right from the start we have had a close dialogue with the neighbours, and except for a few complaints about noise, we haven’t had any setbacks. Tenants even say it went better than expected, and we are very happy about that,” says Joakim Bejtoft, project manager at Wallfast. WHAT REMAINS NOW are just the finishing touches and the final inspection. Soon after, the 20 rental apartments will be home to new tenants. Most are two-room apartments, except for a single one-room flat and two with four rooms. “I think we’ll have a lot of young people living here, couples moving into their first place together, but older tenants too, who may have sold their house and now want to live in the city,” says Joakim. TENANTS EVEN SAY IT WENT BETTER THAN EXPECTED. Joakim Bejtoft Project Manager Wallfast Using wood means less noice and a better workplace. AT WALLFAST THEY can also take pride in building, if not the very first, then at least one of the first timber-framed residential blocks in Stockholm inner city. “I believe that we will see more wood construction in the coming years,” says Mikael. TIMELINE FOR MODELLEN January 2023 Construction starts. September 2023 A construction crane is lifted into the courtyard by another crane. 26 OUR WAY 1/2024 October 2023 The first CLT wall is installed.