‘Waves – from sea to skyline’ is a proposal for Ackumulatortank Gullbergsvass (Gothenburg, Sweden) architecture competition and was awarded the 3rd prize. The competition task was to design a simple yet effective façade for a new accumulation tank that will be providing an energy-efficient method to cool buildings in the area.

Located in the industrial area of Gullbergsvass, ‘Waves’ introduces a design for an accumulator tank that is both familiar and unique. It thus becomes a significant marker in the transformation of the city’s skyline. In the future, as the area transitions from industrial to a mix of offices and residences, the accumulator tank stands as a harbinger of future development. It embodies the integration of Gullbergsvass’s industrial heritage with Gothenburg’s broader urban narrative.

The building is surrounded by an 8-meter offset maintenance area, but the concept envisions this space as public, utilizing the building’s compact and secure design to encourage communal use and engagement. Moreover, in an open gesture towards community integration, the project’s design includes a concept for the surrounding area to become a public space, encouraging social interaction and connection. As a beacon in Gothenburg’s skyline, it naturally evolves into a meeting place for the city’s and the area’s residents. This aspect of the design emphasizes the role of architecture in promoting community engagement and developing public space. It symbolizes a step towards the future while respecting the city’s rich maritime past.

The design concept combines functionality with a representation of the site’s maritime history. With a height of 65 meters and a diameter of 28 meters, the tank and its associated technical building are clad in corrugated sheet metal. The sheets are arranged to form a wavy pattern, reminiscent of the restlessness of the sea and the lightness of a sail. Both are essential threads in Gothenburg’s historical tapestry.

The surface treatment of the corrugated metal transitions from semi-gloss near the base to matte towards the top. This allows the structure to harmonize with its surroundings through the interplay of light and weather, creating a visually dynamic effect. The higher reflection level is concentrated at lower levels to protect flying animals from crashing into the tank and to prevent potentially dangerous reflections towards the E45 and the surrounding area. The steel mantle encloses the staircase and the district cooling line, seamlessly integrating them into the overall design. The corrugated steel that encloses the staircase becomes gradually perforated. The light gray color of the metal is chosen to minimize solar energy absorption, thereby improving the efficiency of the accumulator tank.

The facade of the tank features randomly placed point light fixtures that mimic the sparkling effect of water. The tank adopts a restrained approach to facade lighting but is accentuated with a glowing red ring at the top that spirals downward and around the staircase.

With its impressive height and significant volume, this building’s impact on the city’s skyline is unmistakable. Its façade, reminiscent of delicate fabric, ensures that it complements rather than dominates the skyline. The design manipulates light and shadow to create a dynamic visual experience that captures the essence of movement and change, reflecting the city’s own growth and transformation. This careful consideration in the design not only enriches the city’s aesthetics but also embodies a respectful dialogue with the existing architectural tapestry, making the building a harmonious addition to the skyline.