Akademiska Hus builds student housing in Gothenburg

Akademiska Hus is now converting the “Språkskrapan” building, which was built in the 1960s, into modern housing for undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Gothenburg. The building is located in the Näckrosen area by the park Resntrömsparken between Götaplatsen and Korsvägen. Previously used as an office, the building was vacated when the university moved to new premises in the nearby renovated Humanisten building.

“We know that demand for undergraduate and graduate student housing is strong all over the country and Akademiska Hus is therefore committed to creating more housing on campus. It is important for us and, in this case, for Gothenburg as an attractive student city. Housing also contributes to a more open and secure campus that becomes vibrant around the clock, something that we strive to achieve,” says Susanne Malmgren, head of student housing at Akademiska Hus. 

Focus on co-living

The new student housing units consist of two buildings with a common stairwell and one connected to the Humanisten building. The apartments that will be created will be classic one- and two-bedroom student apartments for two people. But space has also been allocated for larger apartments in line with the new student housing concept for co-living that Akademiska Hus has designed. Five to six people can live in these apartments, each with their own bedroom, but with a shared kitchen, living room and bathroom. 

“Co-living has several advantages. It promotes a sense of social community and prevents the loneliness that many students feel when they move to a new city. Sharing space and functions is beneficial from a sustainability standpoint, and we can also achieve a more affordable rent,” says Susanne Malmgren, head of student housing at Akademiska Hus. 

Recycling and solar panels

As part of Akademiska Hus’ efforts to achieve its vision for a zero carbon footprint, the existing office building was inventoried with the aim of being able to recycle and use some of the existing materials during the conversion to housing. The building will also be equipped with rooftop solar panels. The facility is expected to produce approximately 21,000 kWh of sustainable energy per year and will cover some of the internal electricity needs of the building, such as lighting.

“Another important sustainability-related aspect is that we are building the student residences in an existing building. This approach allows us to significantly reduce the environmental impact of new construction,” says Susanne Malmgren.

Occupancy in the new undergraduate and graduate student housing in Gothenburg is planned in 2023. The apartments will be rented to tenants through a third party.

About the Näckrosen area

The centrally located Näckrosen area is a place with great potential. In addition to the conversion of Språkskrapan into student housing, a number of other projects are being planned in the area, where Akademiska Hus and the University of Gothenburg want to create a new university environment for the entire university and the entire city – a new centre for the humanities, arts and culture, for tomorrow’s research and education.

The new Humanisten building was completed in December 2019 and the Faculty of Arts is now all gathered under one roof. Planning is underway for a new building for the Faculty of Fine, Applied, and Performing Arts, including an integrated exit from the Västlänken Korsvägen station, in parallel with planning for a new and more functional university library.

With its proximity to the cultural institutions around Götaplatsen, as well as to the events happening on Korsvägen, in a few years the Näckrosen campus will be a more active and integrated part of Gothenburg.

• Rebuilding
• Student housing