Studentlyckan is getting new kitchens, a better indoor climate and new facades. Due to good planning and smart solutions, each apartment is renovated in just ten days, with minimum disruption.
Studentlyckan, designed by Hans Westman, is a well-planned, pleasant and of AF Bostäder’s most popular housing areas. Low blocks and lamella buildings with colourful balconies are sited around a green space with beautiful trees and plenty of room for socialising.
“Studentlyckan is a real gem, and much of the original charm from the 1960s has been retained,” says Magnus, former Property Development Manager of AF Bostäder. The area is included in the municipality’s preservation programme and can be considered as a prototype for Sweden’s Million Programme in the 1960s and 70s, regarding aspects such as construction technology and the use of prefabricated concrete elements.
Studentlyckan was built in 1960s and is in considerable need of renovation. Facades are damaged, piping systems for water and heating need to be overhauled and the ventilation is inadequate by modern standards, not least from an energy efficiency perspective.
“Balancing ambitions and execution against requirements and financial aspects has been a challenge,” states Magnus. “For example, we have discussed carrying out a total renovation, but in theory it would be more expensive than demolishing the entire area and building from scratch. Now we have developed a renovation plan that gives Studentlyckan new life with excellent functions, lower energy consumption and more comfortable housing – for an investment that is economically sustainable.”
A pilot project began in one of the blocks in 2017. Twelve apartments were fitted with renovated kitchens, mechanical air ventilation, new kitchen fans (there were none before), new piping for heating and hot and cold water, relined wastewater systems and revamped electrical systems. Repair work was done on the facade, which was then painted in a colour that is as close to the original as possible. The colour scheme was developed in cooperation with the municipality’s curator. The familiar tiles that decorate the balconies are, of course, still in place.
“In the old ventilation system there was a fan in the ceiling that extracted air, while cold fresh air was drawn in via natural ventilation,” says Magnus. “Now, all the apartments will have modern oven fans with FTX units that ensure the warm indoor air heats up the fresh air from outside to 18 degrees. This provides approximately 80 % energy recovery.”
Within the scope of the pilot project, AF Bostäder has tried various solutions to ensure that the work will be sufficiently good and neatly done, and that it can be carried out without too much disruption.
“The tenants stay put during the renovation, with access to temporary toilets and kitchens,” says Magnus. “That’s why we have fine-tuned collaboration between AF Bostäder, our contractors and their subcontractors. With a common strong focus on our customers, we have succeeded in shortening the renovation period to only ten working days per apartment.”
During the renovation, electronic lock units are installed in the apartments, so that no-one needs to give their key to the construction workers. The tenant’s key works as usual, whereas the contractor has an electronic tag, which is timer-controlled and only provides access during working hours.
“It’s a high priority that our customers feel secure during the renovation. Now, we have started work on the remaining 170 apartments. The work will be carried out in stages, one stairwell at a time. Working on a small scale improves communication between the tenants and our project managers, as we have the time and the possibility to answer all the customers’ questions personally,” concludes Magnus.
Latest update October 8, 2018