Sandböljan in Malmö

At the edge of the city and the harbor, a new district is emerging. Sandböljan shows how a strong idea, deep commitment, and skilled craftsmanship can breathe life into a previously overlooked place. The triangular industrial site has roots going back to the 1920s, when the building was erected to handle Malmö’s import of precious wood from ports around the world. Today, it houses a photo studio, meeting rooms, a showroom, offices, and workshops. Generous windows and open spaces invite the public into an environment of creativity and craft.

An unusual commission

Unlike many of our other projects, a private property owner with a very personal commitment commissioned Sandböljan. Furniture maker and developer Christofer Eliasson wanted to create something long-term, sustainable, and contemporary on a site that people had overlooked for decades. After thirty years in Malmö’s harbor, he describes the place as “never forgotten” and explains that he and his team have treated every intervention with great respect for its history.

“I’ve only created the conditions for new life. The tenants are the ones who will leave their mark – the vision isn’t finished,” says Christofer Eliasson.

In close dialogue with the client, Tengbom has shaped a sustainable vision for the large warehouse, providing both planning and construction documents.

“This project shows how far you can go with small resources – as long as you have a clear idea and respect for what already exists,” says Anders Nilsson, lead planning architect at Tengbom.

Dig where you stand

With history at your back

The building, originally a generous warehouse, was given a new load-bearing structure in the 1970s. New entrances and large brick interior walls now offer flexible spaces for creative work. Old and new elements come together in an architecture that plays with light, views, and volume. The graffiti on the entrance façade appeared overnight, before the large openings were made, and has never been removed – it remains part of the building’s expression.

“It’s an honest architecture. Everything has been crafted with care. With precise cuts and attention to detail, the building has gained new life – with daylight, views, spatial richness, and thoughtful material use,” says Jonas Marculescu, lead architect at Tengbom.

Love for patina

Sandböljan marks the beginning of a new district in Malmö. What was once a paved industrial yard has become a social entrance space with replanted greenery and newly planted willow trees. Here, people gather for lunches, events, or simply to spend time together. The on-site carpentry workshop has made it possible to work with local, sustainable solutions and tailor-made details adapted to the place.

“I hope more property owners dare to dig where they stand, without rushing to demolish and modernize. Use what already exists – it’s better for the planet, and who doesn’t love patina?” says Christofer Eliasson.

Christofer emphasizes that the project is not complete. He describes it as the beginning of a process where new businesses will gradually leave their mark. The place can evolve at its own pace.