Frälsningsarmén

A cultural heritage mystery

Architecture, Cultural Heritage

Accessibility, Building Preservation & Restoration, Culture, Renovation & Transformation

Client:

Entrepreneur: Construction company Viktor Hanson

Location: Sankt Göransgatan 61 Stockholm

Assignment years: 2016-2019

LOA: 900 square meter

Collaborators: Tyréns, Acoustic Environment, BK Calculation Consultants, Fire Protection Team, Storköksbyrån, VVS-Kompetens, ÅF, COWI

Frälsningsarmén’s heritage-listed building on Kungsholmen, Stockholm, was in need of both restoration and modernisation. Through a careful balance of reuse and reconstruction, the goal was to preserve its identity while adapting it for today’s needs. But first, one crucial question had to be answered: what lay hidden behind the walls?

A building waiting to be rediscovered

Hantverkaren 18, home to Frälsningsarmén’s 6th Corps, was built in 1911. Over the years, the organisation’s needs had changed, yet the facilities had not kept pace. The kitchen was too small, the lighting inadequate, and the overall wear and tear significant. The work environment needed improvement, and the building required a comprehensive restoration that honoured its past while supporting its future.

With a guiding principle of “preserve and adapt,” the renovation focused on enhancing both function and aesthetics while maintaining the building’s historical character.

A space for many purposes

The updated facility needed to accommodate a variety of functions, including:

A flexible assembly hall with a balcony for worship services and large gatherings
Meeting rooms, corridors, kitchens, storage, showers, and changing rooms
A multifunctional dining room, central to Frälsningsarmén’s mission, where meals are served to those in need

“Buildings are living organisms, shaped by the people who use them. Restoration is never static—it is dynamic, with history and humanity at its core.”

Marco Ercole, Architect

Messages from the past

To uncover the building’s true identity, we had to look back. The investigative phase, known as anamnèsis, the Greek word for “recollection” — guided every decision. The team studied oral histories, archival drawings, historical documents, and photographs, combining historical research with insights from Frälsningsarmén’s staff.

Then, the team conducted a physical investigation—scraping paint layers, uncovering hidden spaces, and evaluating what could be restored, reused, or reconstructed. During the process, they discovered hidden doors, which were carefully repaired and reinstated. Long-buried wood paneling was uncovered and restored, while paint analysis informed a subtle, historically inspired color scheme. Sealed-off skylights were reopened, allowing natural light to once again fill the dining hall. Additionally, the checkerboard-patterned linoleum flooring was replaced, bringing back the original wooden design.

Photo: Sten Jansin

Time, knowledge, and respect

Restoring a 100-year-old building requires more than just technical expertise, it demands patience, precision, and deep respect for history.

By carefully weaving Frälsningsarmén’s legacy into the present, we ensured that its mission, history, and identity remain visible and meaningful for generations to come.

Photo: Stadsmuseet