Kivikhusen / STADSTUDIO

Architects: STADSTUDIO
Area: 3,300 m²
Year: 2025
Photography: STADSTUDIO, Olof Nilsson, Johanna Jonsson
Lead Architects: Alexander Lenre Simittchiev
Design Team: Håkan Forss, Jarand Nå
Landscape Architecture: Landskapsgruppen
Structural Engineering: Bengt Sjöberg Byggkonsult
Electrical Engineering: AFRY
Engineering Consultants: Sweco, YHRC
Project Management: Stefan Klemt AB
Contractor: Sätofta Gruppen
Manufacturers: Ballingslöv, Hunton, Interni, Masonite Beams, Nordan, Organowood, PREFA, WISAPLYWOOD, YALE HOME
City: Kivik, Österlen
Country: Sweden

Set within the coastal landscape of Österlen, Kivikhusen by STADSTUDIO reinterprets the traditional Skåne village typology through a contemporary architectural language. The 3,300-square-metre development includes 33 wooden homes arranged around pedestrian streets and garden courtyards that encourage community interaction. Originating from a 2018 land allocation competition, the project embodies principles of social sustainability, integrating public and private spaces through spatial intimacy. Its design draws from Kivik’s vernacular courtyards and framed structures, translating them into a modern context. Constructed with timber, metal roofing, and untreated plywood interiors, Kivikhusen balances traditional craftsmanship with sustainable building methods, creating a resilient, contextually sensitive residential environment rooted in its landscape.

In the heart of Österlen’s rolling terrain, Kivikhusen unfolds as a contemporary interpretation of village life, merging architectural precision with a deep respect for local tradition. STADSTUDIO approached the project as an exploration of rural identity, designing a built environment that reflects both the cultural and ecological character of Kivik. The layout’s human scale and material restraint convey a quiet confidence, allowing the architecture to integrate naturally within the surrounding greenery and the rhythms of the coastal setting.

The development’s plan draws direct inspiration from Skåne’s historical framed courtyards, long associated with agricultural life and communal gathering. Houses are arranged to form a network of narrow passages, shared gardens, and forecourts that lead toward a central apple orchard, which functions as both landscape anchor and meeting space. This integration of built and natural elements reinforces the traditional pattern of social exchange while redefining it for contemporary living.

Each dwelling is characterized by its timber-clad exterior and distinctive profile, recalling the image of an inverted boat ready for launch—a subtle reference to Kivik’s maritime heritage. The rhythm of metal roofs and timber façades creates a cohesive visual identity, balancing variation and unity across the settlement. This restrained expression allows the houses to age gracefully, their materials weathering in harmony with the landscape and seasons.

Inside, the homes are composed with a tactile honesty. Untreated plywood envelops walls and ceilings, while raw concrete floors and exposed beams accentuate the structural clarity of the design. These interiors embrace a minimalist warmth, encouraging adaptability and creativity in how spaces are used. Each unit includes a small studio structure in the courtyard, adaptable as a guesthouse, workshop, or retreat, extending the potential of domestic life beyond the main dwelling.

Sustainability operates as both principle and process in Kivikhusen’s conception. The exclusive use of renewable timber and fiber insulation minimizes the project’s carbon footprint, while the density and walkability of the master plan reduce reliance on vehicles. Communal areas encourage shared responsibility for landscape maintenance and collective well-being, creating an enduring model of social and environmental stewardship.

Kivikhusen ultimately reflects a nuanced balance between tradition and innovation. STADSTUDIO’s design demonstrates how a sensitive architectural approach can renew rural settlement patterns without sacrificing authenticity. By merging sustainable materials, human-scaled design, and a profound respect for local culture, the project reaffirms the enduring relevance of the village as a framework for modern, sustainable living in Sweden’s evolving landscape.