At the entrance to Berg’s locks outside Linköping lies Sweden’s first monastery, originally founded as a Benedictine convent. Today, only the ruins and Vreta Kloster Church remain. But there is also Klosterhuset — the former grain storehouse of the nuns. The site has long been a popular destination, drawing visitors for both religious and cultural experiences.

“For historic buildings like this, the key to longevity is meaningful use. When they serve a purpose, they stand a greater chance of being cared for and developed over time,” says Magnus Almung, lead architect at Tengbom.

Revealing Klosterhuset

Upon arrival, visitors are first greeted by the impressive church and its ruins — a natural focal point in the landscape. Behind the towering trees, Klosterhuset was once barely visible. There was no clear approach to the building, and when visitors finally found their way there, they were met with closed doors, unable to experience the beautiful vaulted interiors.

“The goal of the renovation was to enrich Vreta Kloster as a visitor destination with engaging exhibitions—sparking curiosity about the site’s architecture, archaeology, and history, all leading up to a well-earned café break,” Magnus explains.

Now, Klosterhuset is more visible. Carefully pruned trees allow glimpses of the building from the gravel square between the church and Klosterhuset. A winding path leads visitors between the trees and along the building’s long side, guiding them through a newly created opening in the old stone wall, directly opposite the church entrance. At the southern gable, a gravel courtyard connects to the historic stone walls.

We preserved history while making it accessible for the future

Restored with care

Klosterhuset, dating back to the 13th century, was already in good condition. Some minor cracks in the masonry were repaired, and the roof — recently re-laid with traditional wooden shingles—was left untouched. To ensure year-round use, we carefully adapted the building, adding glazed doors within the existing openings.

The four wooden doors on the eastern side, remnants of Sigurd Curman’s early 20th-century restoration, were likely part of the original structure. “To improve the indoor climate, we added slim steel-framed glass doors behind the wooden ones,” Magnus explains.

The challenge was balancing functionality with preservation — enhancing comfort without compromising the historic wooden doors or the building’s unique, atmospheric light.

Thoughtful accessibility

With ground levels already nearly flush with the thresholds, accessibility improvements required minimal intervention. To ensure inclusivity, a reversible modification allowed for step-free entry, and the automatic door mechanism was discreetly embedded in the floor. Meanwhile, the southern hall was designed as a flexible space, suitable for concerts, lectures, confirmation classes, exhibitions, and even a café. Additionally, a discreet wire system along the walls enables flexible lighting and display arrangements.

“With materials and patina this rich, our approach had to be careful—installing heating, lighting, and electrical systems in a way that respected the building’s integrity,” says Magnus.

Hidden technology, visible heritage

The large limestone slabs covering the floors had been loosely laid in sand, making it possible to lift them, conceal wiring beneath, and put them back without damage. In the northern hall, now home to the stone museum, the team carefully leveled the original flooring. In the southern hall, where the floor was more uneven, they added a new layer of limestone. The stone museum also received upgrades, including improved display cases, signage, and lighting.

“We wanted Klosterhuset to be open to visitors during the day,” Magnus adds. “But even when it’s closed, its beauty remains on display. Subtle lighting highlights the interiors, making them visible through the glass doors.”

A glimpse inside

We added an interior glass bay window to the stone museum, allowing visitors to peek inside even when the building is locked. The nearby red-painted stable now serves as a visitor facility with toilets, a preparation kitchen, and staff spaces. A simple serving hatch offers coffee straight into the monastery garden.

The project also introduced a new storage facility for churchyard management near the southern visitor car park. Designed as a traditional agricultural building, it complements the surrounding 19th-century structures. A timber frame supports the structure, while horizontal laminated wood panels create the exterior. Carefully crafted details enhance the façade, corners, and eaves. Painted in Falu red, the building seamlessly blends into its historic setting.

As a result, Klosterhuset reopened to the public in spring 2019 — ready to continue its long and remarkable story.