Swedish architecture firm White Arkitekter has unveiled Våga Water Tower, an innovative concrete structure designed to serve as both a functional water reservoir and a striking landmark. Situated on a hill in the village of Träslöv, the tower addresses the growing water needs of the Varberg municipality, which has seen significant population growth since 2000.
A Landmark in Form and Function
The 187-metre-long Våga Water Tower departs from the traditional cylindrical design of water towers, showcasing a wave-inspired silhouette elevated on nine slender columns. White Arkitekter aimed to redefine the role of infrastructure, merging utility with sculptural elegance.
“Våga holds a prominent place in the landscape, but the tower is also designed to be appreciated up close,” said architect Agnes Orstadius. “Our ambition was to create a structure that will stand for centuries and always remain beautiful.”
Winning Design for Varberg
The concept for Våga Water Tower emerged in 2018 when White Arkitekter won a design competition organized by municipal water company Vivab. The brief called for a concrete structure capable of holding 10,000 cubic metres of water—five times the capacity of the area’s original tower—and serving as a visible landmark.
“The sleek, elongated form represents innovative thinking about what a water tower can be while maintaining functionality and ease of maintenance,” explained Vivab’s representative, Margareta Björksund-Tuominen.
Unique Features and Coastal Inspiration
The tower’s design reflects its coastal location, with its name Våga drawn from the Swedish words for “wave” and “dare.” Its undulating reservoir is divided into eight concave segments, creating dynamic plays of light and shadow throughout the day.
“All these elements – the slender shape, wave motif, concave facade and interplay of shadows – make the tower appear entirely different depending on the time of day and viewing angle,” said lead architect Per Hultcrantz.
Meticulous Construction and Thoughtful Landscaping
The concrete was cast using form-plywood sheets for a smooth finish, with precisely aligned joints to ensure a cohesive aesthetic. Even the plugs covering the formwork ties were designed to prevent unwanted shadow effects.
Set against an existing plateau, the tower offers visitors a viewpoint to enjoy both the structure and distant sea views. Beneath the tower, a landscape of wildflowers was cultivated in collaboration with Varberg’s municipal ecologist, while a simple gravel road provides access.
A Lasting Architectural Legacy
White Arkitekter’s Våga Water Tower redefines traditional infrastructure, ensuring that it not only meets the community’s needs but also inspires through design. Its durability, visual appeal, and integration with the environment make it a model for future infrastructure projects.
