Hemsö´s regional office

When the Hemsö regional office in Malmö went from 10 to 16 employees, growing pains set in. The office needed more space for its new staff members. But bearing Hemsö’s core values in mind – such as added value, sustainability and a long-term approach – Tengbom’s team thought twice. Instead, we presented a proposal for which the existing premises, with a minor 45 m² addition from next door, would be ideal to adapt for double the amount of staff.

“The new office has given us a real boost,” says Henrik Orup, property manager at Hemsö’s regional office. “Tengbom helped us stay in our current premises, so we didn’t have to move – and we’re thrilled about that solution.”

And, of course, it’s also good for the landlord, Vasakronan, to be able to keep their tenant in the property.

Attracting employees with inspiration

“We saw plenty of opportunities for reuse, not only in the interior design and materials, but in the space itself,” says Maeva Chardon, lead architect for the assignment and interior design architect at Tengbom.

Meanwhile, Hemsö was clear that their office ought to be more than just desks. It should be more rewarding to go into the office than to work from home in terms of inspiration, social experiences and meetings with colleagues. But focused work without disruptions should also be possible.

Black box – coming together in an industrial-inspired kitchen

Hemsö’s regional office is a small gable space with windows facing in three directions, offering views of the water and the old industrial area. The design concept is based around the idea of a social hub in the middle of the premises. A black box with a deep wall now contains a spacious black kitchen with an industrial feel on one side, and shelving, seating niches and storage on the other. The kitchen offers space to socialize, including a new area with a variety of seating options around dining tables, tall tables and risers. Parties, film screenings and presentations can all be held here.

A room to suit the mood

A path leads from the core through the premises to the various work areas and rooms. The path – which is a literal path on the floor in a greige, gravel-like color – guides visitors through the office space to its different areas. You can go to the Jungle, a room for creativity where plants climb over the desks and the walls are covered in wood paneling. You might also visit the Ocean, a conference room with views of the sea and bubble-like pendant fixtures. The beige hue of the Beach is reminiscent of a sandy shore, making the local Ribban beach feel very close indeed. In this space, more focused meetings can be held. If you want to work in a more open space, the Meadow is a cozy and social work setting with flooring made of reused green carpet tiles.

“The concept is based on the idea of entering the office through the more social and active zone. The further into the office you get along the path, the more you can choose between individual workspaces and meeting rooms for focus or recovery,” continues Maeva.

The archive room in the black core was replaced by two smaller meeting rooms with seating niches and glass panels facing the open office space. Two focus rooms were added for individual work – something the old office was lacking.

“Our office isn’t just stylish now; it’s also an inspiring workplace that you’re happy to go to,” says Henrik Orup, Hemsö. “The new office truly became a meeting place for community, innovation, security and well-being. We see it as a storefront that elevates the Hemsö brand.”

Reused and circular materials

At Hemsö’s regional office in Malmö, the team made sure nothing was discarded unnecessarily. They repurposed certain doors and glass panels for the meeting rooms. In other spaces, they kept the existing carpet tiles. They also brought desks, office chairs, meeting tables, and several conference chairs from the old office.

“The new materials all feature some form of circularity,” explains Maeva. “For example, the new carpet tiles are made of recycled PET bottles. Nothing should be thrown away if it can be reused. The finished office is really different from what it used to be. In a very positive way!”