Väla gård
Eco rated office in historic farm environment
Väla Gård stands as a beautiful listed granite barn and a landmark at Helsingborg’s main entrance. In 2011, we joined an architecture competition and won the exciting challenge of transforming the rural farm environment into a vibrant workplace and meeting hub with a strong eco profile.
The starting point for the structure and character of the area was to let the stone barn remain the principal building. Through a modern revamp of the barn theme, we were able to create a structure that continues to build on the qualities that are already there in the old buildings and environment.
Interaction with forest and road
The historically interesting environment has largely influenced this project. We have developed the buildings’ location, shape, roof pitches and materials based on existing buildings and their location along an old forest road. The new buildings have been given both a façade and a roof made of black-painted wooden panelling, with integrated solar cells facing south. On the short ends, we have placed a grid of perforated cortén steel plate with a tree motif that interacts with the forest and the extension of the forest road.
On the short ends, we have placed a grid of perforated cortén steel plate with a tree motif that interacts with the forest and the extension of the forest road.
Transparency and integration
The building’s structure follows a spatial concept with two long volumes framing a central room and foyer. Large windows create transparency towards the beech forest, entrance, and highway. At the same time, cross-views and movement between work zones encourage interaction. The design actively fosters social meetings and collaboration between departments. The buildings match the barn’s roof angle, ridge height, and the width of its wooden wing but have their own architectural identity.
Skanska’s elevated environmental objectives were central to the development of the project which has led to the first office block in Scandinavia with plus energy house standard.
Energy efficient and modern office
Previously, Skanska Helsingborg spread its departments across the city, but now they operate together at Väla Gård. Skanska aimed high with its environmental goals and created Scandinavia’s first office building with plus-energy house standards. Geo energy and 450 m² of solar panels provide heating, cooling, and electricity. Any surplus goes back to the grid. The project also meets key sustainability targets. The team eliminated phase-out substances, avoided landfill waste, and prioritised locally produced materials. They also reduced water consumption and improved accessibility.
Award-winning and sustainable architecture
The office block has reached the highest level within the eco rating system LEED. This is the first project to receive Skanska’s highest “deep green” rating. In 2013, the Solar Awards and Solenergipriset 2013 recognised Väla Gård as a winner. Sweden Green Building Awards selected it as This Year’s Green Building. The World Architecture Festival nominated the project in two categories—Office and New and Old.
