lågterrasserade

Lågterrasserade is a Swedish architectural term used to describe buildings or housing developments that are terraced at a low vertical scale, typically along a slope or uneven terrain. The word combines låg (low) and terrasserad (terraced), and the concept emphasizes minimal height differences between adjacent units or levels.

In practice, lågterrasserade designs aim to integrate architecture with the landscape by creating shallow or gradual terraces rather than steep, multi-level changes. This approach can allow entrances and living areas to be positioned closer to ground level while outdoor spaces are arranged on stepping platforms. The result is a stepped massing that can preserve views, improve drainage, and reduce the visual impact of the built form on the surrounding site.

Applications and variations: The term is used in Nordic planning and landscape-friendly design to describe developments on sloped sites where the terrace steps are modest. Materials and aesthetics are often regionally appropriate, with emphasis on functional, durable finishes and a simple, understated appearance that blends with the environment.

Considerations: Challenges can include managing drainage and water with retaining walls, ongoing maintenance of terraces, and ensuring accessibility for people with mobility impairments. While the term is frequently tied to hillside or sloped sites, it may also be applied descriptively to any low-m massing profile that uses terracing to break up a building’s footprint.

See also: terraced housing, hillside housing, sustainable architecture, human-scale design.