Friskafors Retirement Home – A social living for elderly

Viskafors is a small town along the river Viskan in Sweden’s scenic inland, east of Gothenburg. The residential layout fosters interaction among residents, with events in the foyer strengthening social connections between tenants and the broader community.

The spacious three-storey common room, clad in warm brick, features an open fireplace and locally crafted wooden furnishings, creating a welcoming gathering space. Covered walkways along a wooded hillside provide sheltered access to the 30 rental apartments, while a footbridge ensures barrier-free entry to the forest. This design encourages outdoor exercise and promotes both mental and physical well-being.

The outdoor spaces, including gardens and terraces, were planned in collaboration with an environmental psychologist to enhance residents’ quality of life. The architectural design, characterized by brick and wood, draws inspiration from the region’s traditional textile industry, with serrated rooflines and chimneys reflecting the surrounding forest landscape.