On Bastekullen, just outside central Varberg on the Swedish west coast, stands the water tower Våga. This striking new landmark acts as a symbol of Varberg’s deep connection to the sea and the vital role of drinking water. With its distinctive silhouette and bold design, Våga is the only water tower of its kind in the world, with a unique structure showcasing a new way to design water towers.

Varberg is growing rapidly – since 2000, the population has increased by approximately 30%, and the trend shows no sign of slowing. As the city expands, Vivab, the municipal water company, must meet the rising demand for water, creating a need for a larger and more modern water tower.

To ensure the best possible design, Vivab, in collaboration with the city of Varberg, invited three architecture firms to submit proposals. The brief was clear: the tower would be constructed entirely of concrete and situated on Bastekullen in Träslöv, just east of Varberg’s centre, highly visible from the E6 motorway. The new structure would hold 10,000 cubic metres of water – five times the capacity of its predecessor.

The new tower was not just intended to replace the old one – it was designed to become a new landmark, symbolising the power and sanctity of water, as well as its profound significance to the city.