Midsommarkransen Elementary School

Tengbom’s assignment was to integrate the heritage-protected buildings with a modern structure, balancing aesthetics and functionality.

“We solved this equation by positioning the five-story school building behind the preserved wagon hall of the fire station. The wagon hall has been converted into a school canteen with a preschool class above it, seamlessly connected to the new main building,” explains Pontus Eriksson, lead architect.

In this way, the wagon hall retains its historically significant facade as a backdrop at the Bäckvägen-Tellusborgsvägen intersection. The adjacent administration building has also been carefully restored.

High functionality while preserving nature

The new rectangular structure consolidates the school’s spaces across five compact floors. This design preserves much of the natural site, including a centuries-old oak tree and a neighboring wooded area. The area behind the school building has been transformed into a schoolyard that borders the Enbacken Park, complete with natural walking and cycling paths. The connection between these two areas enhances the neighborhood’s appeal for both the public and students, fostering shared use of the schoolyard and park.

Thoughtful material choices reflecting historical elements

The fire station’s cultural buildings are classified as green-protected, requiring consultation with a conservation officer. Tengbom’s task was to design a contemporary building that underscores its significant function within the community. But also while respecting the original architecture.
The preserved structures have been meticulously restored using original materials such as slate, brick, and wood. The new school building complements these with modern materials in a harmonious color palette.

“The material and color choices for the new building draw inspiration from the fire station’s 1940s origins. We also prioritized robust and durable materials like concrete, aluminum, and wood to meet the school’s demands for wear-resistant finishes,” says Pontus.

A public building designed to stand out

The light sand-colored concrete facade harmonizes with the surrounding buildings. Parts of the facade feature a bold, undulating relief pattern, lending the structure character and creating dynamic shadows that shift with the angle of the sunlight.

White concrete frames highlight the two entrances, positioned at opposite corners of the building. Their design draws inspiration from the lower sections of the wagon hall. The fifth floor features a lightweight structure clad in light bronze-colored aluminum. It serves as a creative cluster for all arts-related subjects.

The roof includes a terrace with a pedagogical outdoor space. Aluminum-framed windows with deep relief profiles add an aesthetic touch while providing sun shading.

In January 2023, the school welcomed its first students.

Awards and Recognitions

Midsommarkransen Elementary School received a ‘Highly Commended’ distinction in the Inside Education category at the World Architecture Festival 2024. The project was also a finalist for Stockholm Building of the Year 2023