Grand Hôtel

Preserved history – modern solutions

The lobby is the heart and face of the hotel. Preserving and highlighting details from the hotel’s rich history was of utmost importance to both us and the Grand Hôtel. Our goal was to give the space a contemporary expression and functionality while meeting the high standards of heritage preservation and accessibility adaptation.

“What would Ivar Tengbom do?” became the question that guided the project.”

Karin Hagelberg, architect

“The collaboration with the Grand Hôtel is particularly enjoyable as it dates all the way back to Ivar Tengbom’s time. We’ve worked to recapture the essence of the changes Ivar made in the 1920s while also incorporating new, modern solutions,” says Karin Hagelberg, architect.

Bright and elegant space for everyone

Our concept has transformed the lobby into a bright and elegant space. We seamlessly integrated modern functionality and technology into the historic setting. A new marble floor with large inlaid rugs, along with a concealed sound and lighting system, brings the lobby into a new era.

The beautiful ceiling moldings have been highlighted in a new way, and the hotel’s antiques are artfully combined with modern details. The addition of new ramps and railings ensures that the lobby is now accessible to everyone.

Carefully updated hotel rooms

Since 2010, we have continuously revitalized a large portion of the hotel rooms, most recently on the second floor and the third floor of the Royal Building. We have designed many rooms for flexible use, adding classic double doors to allow seamless connections. To enhance natural light, we have also introduced new French balconies in some rooms and clad the bathrooms in Carrara marble for a refined finish.

New era – new entrance

When Grand Hôtel updated its iconic entrance in 2020, Ivar Tengbom’s influence remained present throughout the process. The team replaced the revolving door with two glass panels, creating a sense of openness while keeping cold winds at bay. Inside, the space once dominated by the revolving door became a grand transitional zone between outdoors and indoors. The outer canopy was redesigned to improve the view from within. Custom-designed lanterns, recessed light wells, and gold-toned metal in the entrance ceiling now cast a warm, welcoming glow. In the lobby, the staircase was moved further into the room, returning to its original position from Ivar Tengbom’s time. His pattern design from the elevator doors was also revived, now adorning the new accessibility lift and the railings.

Karin Hagelberg explains, “We built on what already existed. With great respect for history and a sensitive approach, we drew inspiration from timeless details and environments.”