Vindmøllebakken

Gaining by Sharing

How do we build socially sustainable living spaces that reduce our carbon footprint and improve quality of life for its residents? How can architecture help prevent loneliness?

Location Stavanger, Norway

Client Kruse Smith Eiendom AS, Helen & Hard AS

Status Completed (2019)

Typology Housing

Area 4950 m2

Housing Units 40 co-living units, 4 townhouses and 8 apartments

Initiated by us, the Vindmøllebakken co-living project is raised on our old office grounds. It is constructed entirely out of wood. Privately owned apartments are built around 500m2 shared space with different programs and a spacious indoor courtyard. Located in the centre of movement, the double height living room becomes the beating heart of the breathing, all-wooden complex.

Throughout the project, we have made architectural choices to support sharing with, and caring for, one another’s neighbour. We believe this to be a natural way of urban living – especially when encouraged by the architecture itself. All residents have had a direct input in the layout of their apartments and the shared common areas.

Gaining by Sharing is a model based on principles of sharing that we have developed together with Indigo Vekst and Gaia Trondheim. It shows how human, social, environmental and economic needs can be met in a sustainable and symbiotic way.