Trapparken by Tengbom

Discover the Joy of Exploration in Trapparken
In Nacka, just outside Stockholm’s city center, the new neighborhood of Tollare is taking shape. On the steep cliff descending to the water, nestled between residential buildings, we designed Trapparken, the Staircase Park. This unique space seamlessly combines a park, a staircase, and a destination, all while offering a fantastic view.

In 2014, we were tasked by Bonava to develop a long, narrow strip of land in Tollare, stretching from Tollare Square at the top of the hill down to Harbour Square by the water. The area is quite unique, presenting a number of complex factors to consider. How do you design a park with a 35-meter height difference, including a series of stair flights between apartment buildings, so that it becomes both a space enjoyed by residents and an exciting destination for visitors? These were key questions for the project team. Our goal was to transform this challenge into something extraordinary—an immersive experience for all who visit.

Background and Context
To transform Trapparken into more than just a path from A to B, we needed to make the most of both the unique qualities of the area and introduce some new elements. We envisioned what it would feel like to move through the space. How many steps would people be willing to ascend? Where should the resting places be? What kinds of surprises could we incorporate along the way?
We studied many staircases in Stockholm, trying to understand how it feels to walk in pairs or what happens when you meet someone on stairs of different widths. We knew that the flight of stairs in Tollare needed to cover considerable heights quickly, which would create high walls at different levels. What would it feel like to walk alongside them? How could we shape these walls so that the environment would still feel light, green, and open?

Design Concept
To encourage people to walk up and down the stairs, we needed to offer something—unexpected experiences and exciting interruptions. We focused on creating spaces along the way where people could hang out, sit down, enjoy the view, and perhaps eat an ice cream in the sun. The joy of discovery became a key theme for the project. As you move through the park, there are interesting details to observe. The concept for the stairs takes you on a journey from the water to the forest, or vice versa. Just when you think you know the place, you discover something new, perhaps a picture on a perforated metal panel on the side of a bench or a motivating message along your jogging route by the stairs.

Design Solutions
The light was an important aspect. We studied the movement of the sun across the park in a new and unique way. Instead of just conducting a general survey of the hours of the day, we based our design on how the light spreads at key moments—when it’s time to go to work, when you’d want to have a picnic lunch, enjoy an afternoon ice cream, or go for an evening walk. We chose cast-in-place concrete walls set at an angle, rather than perpendicular, along with light materials to make the most of the daylight.

A significant challenge was finding the balance between details and the overall design, as well as between function and aesthetics. There is a lot happening in the narrow space, with many elements that need to be included. At the same time, it was important that Trapparken felt harmonious and inviting. Multifunctional design was key to finding solutions – elements that fulfilled multiple requirements without disturbing the overall impression or views. Expanded sheet metal covering the walls continues as a safety railing, with recessed lighting in the handrails. Seats are integrated into the walls or extend from the raised plant beds. This is compact living—the park version.

We worked hard to anchor the park in the character of the place. We drew inspiration from both the colors and materials of the surrounding environment, which we developed further. Every detail was carefully considered to ensure that those moving through the park would experience something truly special.

A long-term perspective and simple management were core considerations. We selected robust materials, artificial irrigation, and plants that add dynamics year-round and grow more vibrant over time.

Trapparken is developed and planned in Revit. This allows us to maintain a direct dialogue with both Bonava and the architect of the surrounding residential buildings through 3D models, providing an incredibly precise overview. We can clearly visualize both concepts and ongoing changes for all involved. This program helps us create invaluable clarity in the project for ourselves, our clients, and other participants.

Other credits:
Landscape architects, team: Åsa Myhr, Jenny Söderling, Nejra Lagumdzija
Photo: Jansin & Hammarling
Client: Bonava

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