Valtech

Responsiveness lies at the heart of Valtech’s business concept; they are driven by a genuine wish to improve their clients’ everyday lives. Now it was time to improve their own. The premises on Kungsholmen in Stockholm are somewhat demanding: old, listed and filled with a host of technical complexities. But Valtech wanted to remain in place; their affection for the former minting factory runs deep.

“They have a strong connection to the premises, and our task is to update them continuously. They have the option on all rooms in the old factory, and we have developed a concept that we are gradually expanding,” explains interior architect Magnus Lindgren.

Three rooms, one vision

The first step was the Talangrummet, a space where younger talents can meet the company, become inspired and want to stay. It offers a playful and relaxed atmosphere. Next came the lab, designed to allow a step away from the digital, encouraging a more hands-on approach using paper, pens, cutting and assembling. The final element in this phase was the combined multifunctional room, which also serves as the reception. Inspiration came from the restaurant around the corner, Mäster Anders.

“It is their favourite restaurant and they wanted the same atmosphere,” says Magnus Lindgren. It was to function as a restaurant and bar for informal meetings. They host around 300 events per year in this space. Previously there was only a conference table, a few chairs, a projector and poor lighting. Now they wanted a more complete meeting place. They should not need to run off to a storage room or hire tables and chairs. The room should be autonomous.

Inspiration from history and surroundings with Valtech

The old factory did not only present challenges but also provided the starting point for several material choices. We retained the industrial character, and the coins inspired many of the metals in the restaurant area: brass tables and copper details. The architects also took inspiration from the large walnut tree growing in the courtyard.

“It is truly beautiful. It is enormous, like a roof over the entire courtyard, so walnut felt like an obvious choice for the details. Earlier we established the core concept for how we wanted to shape the premises, and naturally we drew on the character of the former factory.”

Good collaboration with unexpected skills development as a bonus

What matters most to Magnus Lindgren and the rest of the interiors team is that the client is satisfied and receives premises that are both functional and pleasant. And in this they have succeeded: Valtech wishes to continue the collaboration. They appreciate both the public spaces and the more discreet lab.

A delightful detail is that Valtech were so pleased with the restaurant area that the CEO sent all 200 employees on a barista course so they could make the most of the space.

“Yes, they care deeply about such small details. It is fantastic! For us it is self-evident to work with the client, not against them. We work towards their goals, not to create our own imprint. We look forward to continued collaboration with Valtech. They enjoy working with us and we enjoy working with them.”