More Than Just a Building.

Despite a summer largely marked by overcast skies and unremarkable temperatures, something quite remarkable took place in a residential neighbourhood in southwestern Sweden. In Höllviken, where the beautifully grained oak façades of Mariastugan brighten even the gloomiest of days, half of the residents chose to skip their holiday trips and instead create their own summer idyll right where they live.

“It’s inspiring to see that half of Mariastugan’s residents chose a ‘staycation’ over traditional holidays,” says Cord Siegel, the Malmö‑based architect behind the project.
“It shows that we’ve succeeded in creating more than just housing; we’ve created a place where people genuinely want to be. That number is proof that we were thinking in the right way.”

Building sustainably for the future is something architects, urban planners, and politicians around the world wrestle with. Yet a visit to Mariastugan — a project comprising 36 rental apartments — makes it seem surprisingly achievable for Cord and his colleagues.

The project is a bold play on contrasts — like a large patchwork quilt where large meets small, old encounters new, and tradition collides with innovation. Drawing inspiration from the furniture and architecture of Josef Frank, the team has created a timeless place that feels both eternally young and deeply rooted in its surroundings. Between the two building volumes that make up Mariastugan, the lush inner courtyard offers a sense of a world that is constantly growing and evolving.

For Cord, the project represents part of the answer to the global questions surrounding the future of sustainable construction.

“In every decision — from material choices to the design of shared spaces — we’ve focused on creating harmony between people and the environment,” he explains.

At Mariastugan, a hybrid structural system was implemented, combining the robustness of concrete with the lightness of timber. Eco‑concrete is used for the main structure, while wood is used for exterior walls and roofs. Environmentally conscious choices have also been prioritised, such as timber‑timber windows, cellulose insulation, and climate‑optimised reinforcement. Together, these decisions have contributed to the project’s climate neutrality, in line with the LFM30 standards.

But Cord’s vision of sustainability extends beyond environmental considerations and into the social realm, where he sees architecture as a catalyst for community and interaction. Mariastugan is designed as a generous mix of shared spaces that encourage togetherness: a spacious communal garden, private terraces and balconies for relaxation, a swimming pool and raised planting beds for those with green fingers. In addition, residents have access to facilities such as guest apartments for friends and family, a gym, a sauna, and a workshop. Charging stations for electric vehicles are also available.

“We don’t just build and manage buildings — we create places where people can connect with one another and with their surroundings. We design based on experience, but we also learn a great deal along the way. For us, the biggest surprise has been Mariastugan’s social stairwell, where neighbours meet and new friendships take root.”

Three Thoughts on Building for the Future

Architect Cord Siegel, a pioneer in sustainable construction, has mastered the art of creating future‑ready living environments that are more than just buildings. Here are his three guiding principles for shaping places that truly embody sustainability.

Inclusivity — the new exclusivity

Transform exclusivity into inclusivity in your building projects. Create places where everyone feels welcome, and where social balance is just as important as aesthetic expression.

Cultural crossover

Encourage cultural diversity and expression. From music rooms to art workshops — every element of a project should reflect a richness of cultural possibilities.

Small‑town charm at a larger scale

Build a sense of small‑town atmosphere even in larger developments. Foster community through short distances to everyday amenities and local meeting places that invite interaction and a feeling of belonging.