Arnaldur Bragi Jakobsson

Second Wind explores the potential of reusing pre-cast concrete elements from an obsolete apartment building in Helsingborg, Skåne County, Sweden.

As part of the ReCreate initiative, which encourages the sustainable repurposing of concrete components, I collaborated with Helsingborgshem, the city’s municipal housing company, to develop a new rowhouse typology of approximately 100 m², alongside a two-story multifamily apartment building on the same plot.
The project aimed to minimize modifications to the existing structural components, preserving their original form as much as possible while adapting them to new uses. The rowhouses, arranged in an L-shape with a southwest-facing courtyard, serve as rental units and highlight the potential of reused materials in creating modern, functional spaces. The apartment buildings, located on the north and south sides of the site, further demonstrate the versatility of these repurposed elements.

 

Throughout this process, I sought to maintain a connection to the original architectural context of the Drottninghög area, respecting its mid-20th-century character while introducing new, sustainable housing solutions. This project illustrates the significant environmental benefits and creative opportunities in reusing existing building materials, paving the way for more sustainable construction practices.

 

Rowhouse plan (Arnaldur Bragi Jakobsson)