North Growth

This project explores how architecture can actively support biodiversity by integrating ecological systems into residential design. Situated in Grubbe, a suburban area in Umeå, this vibrant proposal consists of two low-rise wooden apartment buildings, each containing seven homes of varied sizes to welcome diverse households gently into the existing neighbourhood. The research question asks: How can small-scale housing in a suburban context support local biodiversity through architectural design? The project investigates nature-based strategies such as green roofs and ecological facades designed with modular ceramic cladding that incorporates varied holes to shelter insects, birds and other organisms. The color of the clay facade is violet since pollinators are attracted to nuances on the blue spectrum. The design also preserves existing trees and replaces flat lawns with wild vegetation to attract pollinators and other life forms. Trees and layered greenery are used to enhance shade, reduce heat, absorb stormwater, and support mental well being, contributing to a more adaptable and climate conscious neighborhood. Rather than isolating nature at the edge of urban life, the project suggests that housing can coexist with, and even foster, ecological processes- benefiting both humans and non-human species.