VM houses

As the name suggests, VM Husene (VM houses) are shaped like the letters V and M when viewed from the air. The buildings represent the architects' vision of how to provide optimal light and views for the largest number of residents within the confines of a limited space and at relatively low costs. The four to twelve-storey buildings are constructed of concrete, steel and extensive glass facades. The V Building has 40 and the M Building 36 different types of flats, most extending over several levels. Like blocks varying in size and shape, the flats intersect in a way that makes room for architectural surprises, but also makes furnishing them a challenge.

Most people first notice the pointed, triangular balconies jutting out from the facades of the V Building like sharp spikes. The south-facing balconies were designed not to impede light to the flats below. To keep construction costs down and to provide the most light possible for every unit, there are no partition walls in the flats, some of which have floor to ceiling heights of five metres. Instead residents can erect partitions to suit their individual needs. The V Building is raised on five-metre-high columns to let light into the northern courtyard.