Ting1

In the charming town of Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, stands a building that defies conventional architecture and commands attention with its vibrant colors and bold design. Ting1, a residential marvel designed by the renowned architect Gert Wingårdh, is not just a place to live but a striking piece of modern art that has sparked conversations and debates since its completion in 2013.

The Vision Behind Ting1

The story of Ting1 began in 2010 when Nicklas Nyberg and Torsten Kai-Larsen acquired the old Tingshuset, a brutalist-style concrete office building from 1966. Their vision was to transform this utilitarian structure into something extraordinary. Enter Gert Wingårdh, whose innovative approach to architecture would breathe new life into the old building. Inspired by the colorful works of Swedish artist Bengt Lindström, particularly the painting Women’s Dance, Wingårdh set out to create a building that would be both functional and visually stunning.

A Symphony of Colors

One of the most striking features of Ting1 is its façade, adorned with glazed ceramic tiles in eight vibrant shades of red, yellow, and green. These colors are not just a random choice but a deliberate homage to Lindström's palette. The lower ten floors are covered in these ceramic tiles, while the top floor is clad in painted metal, creating a dynamic contrast that adds to the building's visual appeal. Each ceramic tile measures 60 x 60 centimeters, a size that dictated the placement of windows and balconies, ensuring a harmonious and balanced design.

An Architectural Marvel

Ting1 is not just about aesthetics; it is a feat of engineering as well. The original Tingshuset could not support the weight of the new structure, so Wingårdh and his team devised an ingenious solution. The new residential building is supported by a central concrete tower measuring 8 x 8 meters, which rises ten meters above the ground. This tower stands within the 12 x 12-meter courtyard of the Tingshuset and supports the entire weight of the new building. The structure extends seven meters outwards from this central pillar on all sides, creating an impressive overhang above the old building's roof.

Living in Ting1

Ting1 houses 51 residential apartments, each with its own unique charm. The building's design includes 78 glass-enclosed balconies that jut out from the four façades. These balconies are not only functional but also add to the building's distinctive look. The undersides of the balconies are clad in the same colorful metal as the top floor, creating a cohesive and playful aesthetic. Inside, the apartments are modern and stylish, offering residents a comfortable and contemporary living space.

Eco-Friendly Innovations

Ting1 is not just a pretty face; it is also environmentally conscious. The building is heated using four geothermal units with a combined capacity of 220 kW. These units draw heat from 24 boreholes, each 250 meters deep, providing sustainable and efficient heating for the entire building. This commitment to eco-friendly technology ensures that Ting1 is not only a visual landmark but also a model of sustainable living.

Controversy and Acclaim

Ting1 has not been without its critics. Its bold design and unconventional appearance have sparked debates and even led to it being voted Ångermanland's ugliest building in a 2016 poll by the newspaper Allehanda. It was also named Sweden's ugliest new building of 2013 by the organization Arkitekturupproret and was dubbed Sweden's ugliest building by the website listor.se in 2017. Despite these criticisms, Ting1 has also received accolades, including the prestigious Stora Kakelpriset (Great Tile Award) in 2014, recognizing its innovative use of ceramic tiles.

A Landmark of Modern Architecture

Love it or hate it, Ting1 is undeniably a landmark of modern architecture. Its bold colors, innovative design, and sustainable features make it a standout building in Örnsköldsvik. For those who appreciate contemporary architecture and the blending of art and function, a visit to Ting1 is a must. Whether you see it as a masterpiece or an eyesore, Ting1 is a testament to the power of architecture to inspire, provoke, and transform the urban landscape.

In conclusion, Ting1 is more than just a residential building; it is a statement. Its vibrant colors and daring design challenge the conventional notions of architecture and invite us to see the built environment in a new light. So, the next time you find yourself in Örnsköldsvik, take a moment to admire Ting1—a true testament to the creativity and vision of Gert Wingårdh and a bold addition to Sweden's architectural heritage.