Solbo : Boreal Living through passive design strategies

This project explores how passive design strategies can be applied to larger residential buildings to reduce climate impact while fostering social interaction in dense, northern urban environments. Set in Umeå, a city in northern Sweden known for its long, cold winters and limited daylight, the Solbo project addresses climate change, housing shortages, and social isolation. The project explores solutions such as passive design strategies to reduce the building’s energy demand and improve its energy efficiency, thereby lowering its long-term climate impact. Some of the passive design strategies applied and investigated include optimal solar orientation to maximise sunlight, thick insulation, the use of locally sourced materials such as timber, and passive shading through seasonal vegetation. Additional methods for reducing energy consumption are also explored. Social sustainability is equally central to the concept. The building includes a mix of private apartments some with individual kitchens, others with shared ones and several communal spaces. A rooftop atrium acts as a year-round social hub for gatherings and indoor activities, which is especially valuable during the dark winter months. Additional social spaces, including a sauna and small lounges on each floor, support informal interaction among residents. The site was chosen for its strong public transport and cycling connections, as well as its proximity to the university and hospital. The design process included investigations of building form, sun hours, local climate conditions, and thermal performance. Solbo ultimately investigates how passive design strategies and social integration can together support a more sustainable and connected way of living.