YK-huset, Collective residential building in Östermalm, Stockholm, Sweden.
YK-huset is an eight-story residential building in Östermalm featuring seven apartments per floor with varied sizes from small to large units. A central kitchen and restaurant on the ground level prepares and delivers meals to residents through a dedicated service elevator.
Built in 1939, the structure was designed by architects Albin Stark and Hillevi Svedberg as part of Sweden's progressive housing movement. This era saw architects experimenting with new forms of residential life that challenged traditional family living arrangements.
The building embodied a new vision for how academic families could live together, reducing household burdens through shared services and communal spaces. Residents experienced daily life differently than in conventional apartments, relying on collective support systems.
The building is situated in an established Stockholm neighborhood with good access to transport and nearby shops and dining options. Visitors can explore the exterior and surrounding area, though it remains a private residential building not open for interior tours.
The building included a gymnasium and communal facilities for childcare, such as a shared diaper-changing room and a dedicated play terrace. These practical amenities reflected how carefully the design addressed the daily needs of families with children.
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