TEXT: MAGNUS CARLSSON
PHOTOS: FANNY JINGROT
Lakehouse is one of the most spectacular buildings constructed in Gothenburg, Sweden, in recent years. It is a unique property and our Solar Light team is proud to have contributed with the lighting design, project planning and delivery of luminaires.
At an old quarry just outside Gothenburg, a new neighbourhood called Wendelstrand is emerging. The area will accommodate 1,200 homes, and the new landmark Lakehouse is located at the centre. It houses a restaurant, a gym and coworking offices.
Lakehouse is undeniably a building that attracts the eye. It is built with a strong focus on sustainability, where the goal has been to improve the well-being of the residents in the area by bringing people together – with each other, but also with the sorrounding environment and associated natural areas.
Low CO2 emissions
The entire building has been built using natural materials and with a focus on lowering CO2 emissions as much as possible. The concrete mix includes gravel from the old quarry, and the frame is – like most things in the property – made of wood.
The property is 100 metres long and has a sloping roof with a 12 degree slope, which gives a maximum height of 16 meters. The unique project is pleasing to the eye – but it is also an extra challenge for the installer.
- This project is cool in so many ways. It's super beautiful. But the whole house is also challenging in itself. There is barely a right angle in the entire house. And there are almost no suspended ceilings, so you had to think carefully both when choosing luminaires and during the installation, says Christian Axelsson at S-O El, who carried out the installations in the property.
Experts in lighting
This is also why S-O El often uses Solar Light as a partner on their lighting projects, says Christian:
- We really enjoy working with Solar Light. Above all, because it's always so smooth. Sometimes there can be a lot of changes and quick decisions, but Solar Light is usually always flexible and able to provide really good service.
From Solar's side, lighting designer Erika Stridh and lighting salesman Stefan Brunefjäll have been responsible for the project. Daniel Hammarén, Category Manager Light at Solar, also thinks that Lakehouse is a good example of Solar Light's expertise.
- Lighting is always important, but it becomes almost extra important in this type of architect-designed super building. And what makes us stand out is not only that we have such a wide range of luminaires – it is also that we have extremely high expertise in lighting. We have a whole team of lighting designers and lighting salespeople, who can help with this type of project. They are experts at taking the architect's vision and making it a reality.
