Byggemenskapen Ärlan is a cooperative housing project at Ärlegatan 40 in Majorna, Göteborg, Sweden. The idea began at Inobi in 2012, and the architecture and planning firm received a land allocation on Gråberget in 2013 to develop a resident-led housing project.2 Residents moved into the completed building in September 2022.2
Inobi initiated and guided the project, working alongside a group of future residents as the plans developed. BJC Group joined the project as a member and development partner in spring 2020; Inobi describes the partnership as helping make the project possible.2 The Inobi project page identifies Magnus Pettersson as the contact and lists him, Fredrik Rosenhall, Louise Ekeroth, Simons Haldur Rothla, Tove Wennberg and Anna Wrener on the team.2 Architect Fredrik Rosenhall highlighted the site’s rocky landscape, oak trees and harbour views as qualities the design sought to retain.2
The building contains a mix of smaller and larger apartments, alongside shared spaces including a communal room and a bicycle store with a service station.2 Its sloping site allows for west-facing balconies and east-facing outdoor areas beside the natural landscape. The design also includes heat-treated, coloured timber cladding, rooftop solar panels and features intended to support low energy use.2 The apartments were designed in close collaboration with residents, with shared indoor and outdoor meeting places forming part of the project.2