Norra Tornen Explained

Norra Tornen
Status:completed
Building Type:Residential
Location:Vasastaden
Location City:Stockholm
Location Country:Sweden
Coordinates:59.3459°N 18.0336°W
Destruction Date:-->
Height:East: 125m (410feet)
West: 110m (360feet)
Material:Concrete
Floor Count:East: 35
West: 30
Architect:Reinier de Graaf
Architecture Firm:OMA
Developer:Oscar Properties
Structural Engineer:Arup
Unit Count:-->
Website:oscarproperties.com

Norra Tornen (in English, Northern Towers) are a pair of high-rise apartment buildings located in Vasastaden district of Stockholm, Sweden. Opened in 2018, the eastern tower is 125m (410feet) tall, consisting of 36 floors. The west tower opened in 2020 and is 110m (360feet) tall, with 33 floors. The complex contains 300 residential units and ground breaking took place in the autumn of 2015.[1] [2]

History

In 2009, the Stockholm City planning office called for the construction of two skyscrapers in a new residential area on the border between Stockholm and Solna, a planning area later named Hagastaden. These 145m (476feet) twin towers were called "Swedish: Tors Torn" in the original zoning plan, after the Torsplan plaza on which they were meant to be built.[3] The general shape and approximate height were decided by City Architect Aleksander Wolodarski.[4]

Despite being criticised for its height and for being similar to the Embarcadero Center in San Francisco,[5] a Norwegian company was awarded the contract to build the skyscrapers – only to pull out in 2011, citing lack of funds.[6] [7] In 2012, the city invited several companies for a new informal competition for the development rights to the property.[8] Mayor Sten Nordin finally presented the winning proposal in June 2013: A design by the Dutch architectural firm OMA, commissioned by Oscar Properties, scheduled for completion in 2018.[9]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: OMA's Stockholm skyscrapers move towards construction. De Zeen. 7 January 2015.
  2. Web site: Många ville veta läget i Hagastaden. Stockholm Municipality. 7 January 2015. Swedish. 2014-11-09.
  3. Web site: NORRA STATION – DEN TÄTA STADENS ATTRAKTIONSKRAFT - DP 2009-02013-54. Stockholm Municipality. 7 January 2015. Swedish.
  4. Web site: Arkitekt får hård kritik. Svenska Dagbladet. 8 January 2015. Swedish. 2010-03-08.
  5. Web site: Ang. utformningen av Tors Torn, inför KF:s antagande av detaljplan för Vasastaden 1:16 i stadsdelen Vasastaden - SR Dnr 2009-0375. Stockholm Municipality & Stockholm Beauty Council. 7 January 2015. Swedish. 7 December 2009.
  6. Web site: Ekberg. Eddie. Slottner: Viktigt att Tors torn byggs. Fastighetssverige. 7 January 2015. Swedish.
  7. Web site: Formella beslut - bygg.stockholm.se. Stockholm Municipality. 7 January 2015. Swedish. I maj 2011 avslutade exploateringskontoret förhandlingarna [...] och markanvisningen [drogs tillbaka]. Den ursprungliga markanvisningen gjordes den 19 november 2009 till Oslo Naeringseiendom.
  8. Web site: Nystart för markanvisningsprocess i Hagastaden. Stockholm Municipality. 7 January 2015. Swedish. 5 June 2012.
  9. Web site: Sundström. Anders. De ersätter Tors torn. Dagens Nyheter. 7 January 2015. Swedish. 2013-06-17.