Modular BoKlok Housing by Ikea, Skanska and Silviahemmet

With a desperate need for elderly housing in Sweden, Ikea, Skanska and Silviahemmet have teamed up to offer modular BoKlok housing titled the SilviaBo project. The specific housing project evolving from the Queen of Sweden's ambition to develop a housing model that could assist elderly couples, in particular those with dementia live comfortably in their homes for as long as possible.

Using the same prefabricated timber units as BoKlok that are prefabricated and assembled onsite, the housing will vary from two to four storeys with a mix of one and two bedroom apartments. Key features that differentiate the SilviaBo project include wide entrances and flat walkways suitable for wheelchairs, minimal thresholds for elevators. Clear and enlarged wayfinding and signage, low shower-walls for assisted bathing, heat sensors for stoves and calming interior finishes for all rooms are other design elements tailored more specifically for those with dementia.

With sustainability in mind, the housing project will include solar panels, green roofs and Ikea furnishings throughout. Wellbeing and social interaction with also form a key part of the design with Ikea envisioning a number of community facilities incorporated such as park like gardens with flowers and vegetables, a ‘village green’ and a club house complete with barbeques and pergolas to encourage community engagement.

The first six SilviaBo apartments are currently being completed outside Stockholm.

Due to its early success, IKEA is now in the initial stages of securing land for future projects elsewhere! Click here to see the images.