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Gasometer

Industrial heritage repurposed for the arts
Architecture, Cultural Heritage
Accessibility, Building Preservation & Restoration, Culture, Heritage Expertise, Renovation & Transformation
Client: Stockholms Stad
Assignment year: 2017-
Where: Hjorthagen, Norra Djurgårdstaden
Project type: For musicals, concerts, events, conferences, televised galas, and more
Awards and recognitions: Nominated for the World in Property Award 2024

Commissioned by the City of Stockholm’s Development Office, Tengbom has proposed transforming Gas Holder 2 in Hjorthagen into a state-of-the-art cultural venue with a banquet hall. The concept for the Gasometer – a “box within a box” – offers future visitors a spatial experience like no other.

Hjorthagen undergoing major development

Located just outside Stockholm, Hjorthagen is an area undergoing large-scale transformation. Once an inaccessible industrial zone, it will soon become home to around 15,000 new residents. The broader development includes approximately 6,000 apartments and 100,000 square meters of commercial space.

From gas holder to Gasometer

Gas holder no. 2

In 2017, Tengbom won a tender and we were entrusted with designing an international performance venue within Gas Holder 2. Now known as the Gasometer, the venue will host up to 2,300 guests, offering world-class concerts, musicals, and theater productions. At the top of the inner “box,” there will also be a banquet hall accommodating 1,000 seated guests.

Ferdinand Boberg designed the unique and historically listed gas holder in 1899. The exterior will remain in its original state, while the interior will transform into a space with spectacular spatial experiences. The performance hall will float within the larger structure, encapsulated by an outer shell.

Gas holder no. 2

Optimized for audience and acoustics

By stacking the audience over three levels, the design maximizes capacity while ensuring the best possible acoustics. Visitors will undoubtedly experience something extraordinary. The project is led by Tengbom architect Jan Izikowitz, whose previous work includes the Gothenburg Opera House.

“The ambition with Gasometer is to become a landmark for Stockholm’s vibrant cultural life. Both for residents and visitors from around the world.”

Architect Jan Izikowitz

Gasometer in the larger context of Gasverket Västra

Gas Holder 2 is part of the Gasverket Västra development plan, which also includes a museum, school, preschool, sports hall, and office spaces.

Royal Swedish Opera moves in

In October 2024, it was announced that the Royal Swedish Opera would temporarily relocate to the Gasometer while the Opera House undergoes renovation.

Contact person

Elin Larsson

Project Lead
+46 702 75 67 66

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The Solliden Stage

Modern expansion in historic environment
Architecture, Cultural Heritage
Accessibility, Building Preservation & Restoration, Culture, Heritage Expertise, Renovation & Transformation
Client: The Skansen Foundation
Location: Stockholm
Competences: Building preservation, Interior Design
Years of commission: 2002–

Our specialists in building preservation have assisted in the restoration and construction of the The Solliden Stage, on the basis of Skansen’s ambition to create Northern Europe’s most modern outdoor stage. The fairground was also improved through renovations and additions. We weighed various qualities in the project, such as the location’s view of the entrance to Stockholm and the historic building value of the original stage, against expectations of modern stagecraft and acoustics.

The Solliden Stage
The Solliden Stage. Photographer: Tove Falk Olsson
The Solliden Stage
Photographer: Tove Falk Olsson

Perhaps you yourself have sat at this classic location and gazed out over one of Stockholm’s most beautiful views. Or at least heard of the popular outdoor TV show Allsång på Skansen?

The Solliden stage (Sollidenscenen) was designed by Nils Einar Eriksson in 1938. It was at that time technically and acoustically of a very high quality. The audience sat facing the view and listened to acoustic music that was amplified through the spiral form of the stage.

But today’s concert situations and stagecraft, especially for TV broadcasts, place new demands on the stage environment. To meet these needs, we designed a completely new stage. We also developed related ancillary buildings in cooperation with the Stockholm Beauty Council and Skansen’s own curators.

Solliden stage side sketch_TengbomThe team carefully restored the original stage, Snäckan (“The Shell”), preserving its cultural value and keeping it at the centre. They designed the new stage around it, raising and deepening the stage floor while extending the roof to cover the entire stage. Built with thin ship-building plate on a steel structure, the roof enhances both function and form. The new annexes feature façades of untreated oak, which will naturally age over time to match the adjacent Öland Windmill.

Photographer: Tove Falk Olsson
Photographer: Tove Falk Olsson
Photographer: Tove Falk Olsson

New and better audience space

We redesigned the fairground to offer more and better space for the audience. Seats now stand centrally in front of the stage, framed by wooden benches made from Skansen’s own oaks. To improve accessibility, dedicated spaces for wheelchair users were added at an elevated spot near the mills. More spaces are also available beside selected rows at Sollidenplan. Removing the front row at the stage opened up the view towards Stockholm’s entrance, creating a more inviting experience.

The Solliden StageThe Solliden Stage and its new stage and fairground debuted in 2013 during Skansen’s National Day of Sweden celebration on June 6th. The following weekend, a dedication concert featured Radio Sweden’s Symphony Orchestra, Tommy Körberg, and Amanda Sedgwick.

The Solliden Stage
Photographer: Tove Falk Olsson

Several Skansen projects by Tengbom

  • Ironmonger’s building: The ironmonger’s building in the town quarter was completed in keeping with Skansen’s ambitions as a copy of an existing building from the 1880s in Hudiksvall.
  • The Skansen Shop: In 2010-2011, we renovated The Skansen Shop, previously the Alhambra restaurant, in order to create more appropriate premises for office, storage and accommodation rooms.
  • Lill-Skansen: We participated in a parallel engagement for a new Lill-Skansen children’s zoo.
  • New buildings for wild boar and European bison: We designed a new building in 2007 for two wild boar families and a building for European bison.
  • Dressing-room building: Design of a new dressing-room building at the Galejan dance pavilion is under way in 2016.

Contact person

Josefin Larsson

Business Developer
+46 72 183 02 34

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Thiel Gallery

Preserving a listed art museum
Thiel Gallery
Architecture, Cultural Heritage, Interior Design
Accessibility, Building Preservation & Restoration, Culture, Heritage Expertise, Renovation & Transformation
Client: The National Property Board of Sweden
Location: Djurgården, Stockholm
Years of commission: 2013-2019
Partners on GK commission: Tyréns (K), LEB, Allmänna VVS-byrån (V), Projektel (E), Brandskyddslaget, Geosigma, Storköksbyrån i Stockholm, Sjögrens hus.
Type of project: House architect
Competences: Historic Preservation, Interior design, Landscape, Accessibility, Project management, Sustainability

Founded in 1907 and situated in a walled park far out on Djurgården’s Blockhusudden, the Thiel Gallery is one of Sweden’s most beautiful museums. We served as building architect and general consultant for the gallery from 2013 to 2019, providing administrative support and taking responsibility for the listed building’s maintenance and development on an ongoing basis.

The architect Ferdinand Boberg designed the Thiel Gallery. He drew inspiration for the unusual building from the Orient, southern Europe and the late Art Nouveau era. Work on the venue was completed in 1907, realising the dream of financier and patron of the arts Ernest Thiel to create a home and art gallery. After being acquired by the state in 1924, Thiel was converted into a museum, before being conferred national listed building status in 1958. Our work on the museum took place in close collaboration with the National Property Board of Sweden. As well as the venue’s tenants.

Thiel Gallery
Thiel Gallery
Thiel Gallery

Complex projects requiring a highly sensitive approach

Our projects at the Thiel Gallery were often of a complex nature, requiring knowledge and understanding of a range of factors related to climate, technology, logistics and programming within the scope of an art museum. With considerable respect for the cultural-historical values of this listed building, we carried out adjustments and highly skilled design work on a small and large scale. We also handled permit issues, long-term plans for maintenance and restoration as well as acting in an advisory capacity. Among other things, the commission required advanced knowledge of installation techniques both new and old.

Our role in the project is fundamentally underpinned by a holistic approach, awareness and flexibility.

Effective collaboration and close contact

We worked on a range of projects at the Thiel Gallery. We renovated the café kitchen and cafeteria and installed new lighting in the exhibition halls. We also prepared the Annex for the museum’s offices and conferences. To improve accessibility, we conducted a comprehensive survey of the entire venue. This led to the installation of a new lift and the creation of new public areas, including a shop, cloakrooms, and toilets.

Thiel Gallery
Thiel Gallery
Thiel Gallery
Photo: Sten Jansin
Photo: Sten Jansin
Photo: Sten Jansin

Effective and clearly defined partnerships are fundamental to every project. To ensure this, we involve technical consultants and other specialists at an early stage. Close contact and long-term collaboration with administrators, tenants, and authorities remain essential. We also work closely with specialists, craftsmen, and contractors throughout the process. Our role in each project is built on a holistic approach, strong awareness, and flexibility.

Contact person

Mark Humphreys

Practice Director Stockholm
+46 8 412 53 43

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The Royal Opera

To preserve a historic national stage
Architecture, Cultural Heritage
Accessibility, Building Preservation & Restoration, Culture, Heritage Expertise, Renovation & Transformation
Client: The National Property Board of Sweden
Location: Stockholm
Years of commission:: 2007-2012
Type of project: House architect
Competences: Culture & Sports, Interior Design, Historic Preservation

Between 2007 and 2012, we were the in-house architects of the Royal Opera in Stockholm. An inspiring task filled with responsibility which included making sure that the fantastic opera house from 1898 was developed and taken care of in the best possible way.

The architect Axel Anderberg designed the Royal Opera, Sweden’s national stage for opera and ballet, which opened in 1898. It stands on the same site as Stockholm’s first large opera building from 1782. Anderberg drew much of his inspiration from the Paris Opera. He gave the new opera house a Neo-Renaissance exterior, while designing the staircase, foyer, and salon in a Neo-Baroque style.

From stage technology to Golden Foyer

Today, the Royal Opera is a national monument. The opera house includes a complex mixture of advanced technology and working areas. Richly decorated, representative environments such as the Golden Foyer with its shimmering stucco, brocades and chandeliers. The twelve floors house a thousand rooms and many different activities – from stage technology in the basement via workshops, rehearsal rooms and dance studios, restaurants, dressing rooms, and all the way up to the costume designer’s colourful studio just above the roof of the salon.

An amazing experience we will never forget

Expertise and continuity

Photo: Sten Jansin

To be the in-house architect for something so amazing as an historic opera house is a great responsibility. In our role as renovation architects, we have to be experts on the building, its history, values and requirements. Our task included architectural, artistic, antiquarian, and technical oversight. We also ensured compliance with all regulatory requirements. Additionally, we made sure that every plan and action aligned with both management’s vision and the business requirements.

Photo: Sten Jansin
Photo: Sten Jansin

To take care of the opera house in the best possible way, long term plans need to be established both for maintenance and restoration. One of our most important tasks was to constantly walk the fine line between today’s requirements and the antiquarian requirements as well as qualities of the national monument.

A masterpiece of coordination

To be the in-house architect for the Royal Opera is in many ways a communicative masterpiece from a coordination stand point. The task requires constant communication with clients, managers, tenants, authorities, specialists, various consultants, contractors and craftsmen. There were many of us who worked intensively on the project – an amazing experience we will never forget.

Contact person

Mark Humphreys

Practice Director Stockholm
+46 8 412 53 43

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Grand Hôtel

Collaboration in classic setting spanning a century
Architecture, Cultural Heritage, Interior Design
Accessibility, Building Preservation & Restoration, Heritage Expertise, Hotels & Meetings, Renovation & Transformation
Client: Vectura fastigheter, Grand Hôtel
Location: Stockholm
Developer: Pefo Bygg, Skanska, Kungsfiskaren
Years of commission: 2010-2016
Competences: Hotel & Restaurant, Building preservation

Our collaboration with the Grand Hôtel in Stockholm dates back nearly 100 years. In the 1920s, Ivar Tengbom redesigned the hotel’s façade, lobby, and banquet hall Vapensalen. In 2014, we carried Ivar’s work on the lobby into the next era. And in 2020, it was the entrance’s turn to step into the future.

The lobby is the heart and face of the hotel. Preserving and highlighting details from the hotel’s rich history was of utmost importance to both us and the Grand Hôtel. Our goal was to give the space a contemporary expression and functionality while meeting the high standards of heritage preservation and accessibility adaptation.

“What would Ivar Tengbom do?” became the question that guided the project.”

Karin Hagelberg, architect

Foto: Åke E:son Lindman
Photo: Åke E:son Lindman

“The collaboration with the Grand Hôtel is particularly enjoyable as it dates all the way back to Ivar Tengbom’s time. We’ve worked to recapture the essence of the changes Ivar made in the 1920s while also incorporating new, modern solutions,” says Karin Hagelberg, architect.

Bright and elegant space for everyone

Our concept has transformed the lobby into a bright and elegant space. We seamlessly integrated modern functionality and technology into the historic setting. A new marble floor with large inlaid rugs, along with a concealed sound and lighting system, brings the lobby into a new era.

Foto: Åke E:son Lindman
Photo: Åke E:son Lindman

The beautiful ceiling moldings have been highlighted in a new way, and the hotel’s antiques are artfully combined with modern details. The addition of new ramps and railings ensures that the lobby is now accessible to everyone.

Carefully updated hotel rooms

Since 2010, we have continuously revitalized a large portion of the hotel rooms, most recently on the second floor and the third floor of the Royal Building. We have designed many rooms for flexible use, adding classic double doors to allow seamless connections. To enhance natural light, we have also introduced new French balconies in some rooms and clad the bathrooms in Carrara marble for a refined finish.

New era – new entrance

Foto: Per Kallstenius arkitektkontor

When Grand Hôtel updated its iconic entrance in 2020, Ivar Tengbom’s influence remained present throughout the process. The team replaced the revolving door with two glass panels, creating a sense of openness while keeping cold winds at bay. Inside, the space once dominated by the revolving door became a grand transitional zone between outdoors and indoors. The outer canopy was redesigned to improve the view from within. Custom-designed lanterns, recessed light wells, and gold-toned metal in the entrance ceiling now cast a warm, welcoming glow. In the lobby, the staircase was moved further into the room, returning to its original position from Ivar Tengbom’s time. His pattern design from the elevator doors was also revived, now adorning the new accessibility lift and the railings.

Influencer: Ivar Tengbom

Karin Hagelberg explains, “We built on what already existed. With great respect for history and a sensitive approach, we drew inspiration from timeless details and environments.”

Foto: Per Kallstenius arkitektkontor

Contact person

Josefin Larsson

Business Developer
+46 72 183 02 34

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Waldemarsudde

The legacy of Prince Eugen
Waldemarsudde 2015
Architecture, Cultural Heritage, Interior Design, Landscape
Accessibility, Building Preservation & Restoration, Culture, Heritage Expertise, Renovation & Transformation, Residential environments
Client: The National Property Board of Sweden
Location: Djurgården, Stockholm
Years of commission: 2013–2015
Type of project: House architect
Collaborative partners: LEB, Tyréns, Projektel, Brandskyddslaget
Areas of expertise: Heritage, Landscape

Waldemarsudde is a unique environment filled with great experiences. It has beautiful countryside, fascinating historical buildings and fantastic art. Waldemarsudde is primarily associated with Prince Eugen – botanist, landscape painter and art collector – who lived here in the early 1900s.

The legacy of Prince Eugen

The palace was commissioned by Prince Eugen and designed by the architect Ferdinand Boberg, and was built between 1903 and 1905. The gallery building was added in 1913 to house the Prince’s extensive art collection. Upon Prince Eugen’s death, the entire Waldemarsudde estate was bequeathed to the state, which was to manage it as a museum. Waldemarsudde is one of Sweden’s best known and most visited art museums and has been a listed building since 1993.

Waldemarsudde Tengbom 2015
Photo: Nina Broberg

Responsibility for maintenance and development

Tengbom had the framework agreement as building architect and general consultant for Waldemarsudde between 2013-2015. This meant that we were responsible for the listed building’s maintenance and development, in collaboration with the National Property Board of Sweden and the Prins Eugens Waldemarsudde Museum. We primarily worked in the areas of architecture, conservation and technical matters, as well as regulatory requirements. In conjunction with the consultant group, as building architect we carried out project planning as well as investigative assignments. We were consultants and handled such things as permit issues and long-term plans for maintenance and restoration.

Adaptation and visions for the future

One of the projects we worked on at Waldemarsudde was the extensive rebuilding of the museum shop and entrance hall, including improvements to accessibility at the main entrance, both inside and out. We focused on environmental aspects, lighting, acoustics, and both interior and exterior maintenance. The park and gardens was also part of our work. Additionally, we developed a proposal to open the old linseed oil mill to the public.

Waldemarsudde 2015
Waldemarsudde 2015
Waldemarsudde 2015
Waldemarsudde 2015
Waldemarsudde 2015
Waldemarsudde 2015
Photo: Sten Jansin
Photo: Sten Jansin
Photo: Sten Jansin
Photo: Sten Jansin
Photo: Sten Jansin
Photo: Sten Jansin

A complex project with specific challenges

The project at Waldemarsudde presented constant challenges. Working in an art museum means tackling environmental, technical, logistical, and programming demands. The focus was on adapting and refining the design to meet today’s needs while carefully preserving Waldemarsudde’s cultural value.

Close collaboration is essential

Collaboration was key throughout the process. Technical consultants and specialists joined early on. Each project within cultural environments involves close contact with managers, tenants, and authorities. Craftsmen, contractors, and other consultants also play a vital role. This demands flexibility, coordination skills, initiative, and a keen sense of the bigger picture.

Contact person

Josefin Larsson

Business Developer
+46 72 183 02 34

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Väla gård

Eco rated office in historic farm environment
Architecture
Building Preservation & Restoration, Offices
Client: Skanska AB
Location: Helsingborg
Years of commission: 2011-2012
Type of project: Office
Contractor: Skanska Sverige AB
Competences: Office, Sustainability

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.

Väla gård
Photo: Torben Åndahl

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.

Photo: Torben Åndahl
Photo: Torben Åndahl
Photo: Torben Åndahl

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.

Väla gård
Photo: Torben Åndahl

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.

Contact person

Josefin Klein

Practice Director Skåne
+46 40 641 31 18

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