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Mariedal

Refined conference facility
Architecture, Cultural Heritage, Interior Design
Building Preservation & Restoration, Culture, Hotels & Meetings
Client: Jönköping University & HÖFAB
Location: Jönköping
Project year: 2014–2015
Project type: Conference facility
Developer: Högskolefastigheter i Jönköping AB
Photographer: Patrik Svedberg

On a rise along the eastern shore of Munksjön stands Mariedal – a stately merchant’s villa from the 1850s, today used as a conference facility by Jönköping University. When the time came to refurbish the premises, the ambition was to create an inspiring environment for contemporary needs while carefully preserving and accentuating the building’s historic qualities.

An unpolished gem on historic ground. Högskolefastigheter i Jönköping were fully aware of what they were entrusted with at Munksjön. Mariedal was erected in the 19th century as a country retreat for the merchant Westman and his family. The property is sought after for both its heritage and its location. But time had left its mark, not only through wear, but also through the gradual refurbishments that had taken place over the years, giving the building a patchwork-like character.

When it was once again time for renewal, the intention was to adopt a holistic approach and bring forward the original qualities of the property. Tengbom was commissioned to restore and furnish the premises for modern needs. The assignment presented a challenge, requiring us to adapt the building for accessibility while recreating a classical aesthetic using historic materials and a coherent character.

The goal? To take a firm design approach and, with clear strokes, transform a rather tired and worn interior into a positive experience. We developed many bespoke solutions and also improvised new ones during construction, as the client identified additional needs along the way.

Modern interiors with an aesthetic that looks back

We decided early on to focus on the aesthetic of the period during which the building underwent its most extensive renovation, around 1912. Inspiration was drawn from signatures such as Waldemarsudde and Ellen Key. The rooms were given rich colour palettes and wallpapered with intricate botanical patterns. Based on our colour proposal, Statens konstråd selected appropriate artworks for the interiors. In the hall, for example, hangs an impressionistic oil painting whose expression is heightened by the dark colour scheme.

We gave each room its own character. In the upper salon, calm and cool tones set the mood, with dark blue and plum-coloured textiles. In the kitchen, we painted the walls in terracotta and added a diagonal chequered linoleum floor.

Bespoke details complete the impression

To create the right atmosphere, we designed key pieces like a plant stand, an easel for a digital screen, and a display cabinet with mesh panels. As the project evolved, we added smaller items too — the original candlesticks, waste bins, doorstops and tablecloths didn’t match the concept at all.

Form and function for the future

Sustainability was also a guiding value in the work with Mariedal. In addition to choosing natural materials and eco-labelled furniture, we made a considerable effort to assess what could be reused. We prioritised alterations to prominent public areas and preserved existing building components that were in acceptable condition. From a sustainability perspective, it is not justifiable to remove functioning equipment, ventilation, flooring and similar elements.

One can also speak of sustainability in stylistic terms. Within the university sector, there is neither the budget nor the rationale to continually adopt new design trends. For that reason, we selected products that we believe to be both timeless and functional.

At Mariedal, much of the work centred on refining the old and, with fairly modest means, achieving significant transformation in both aesthetics and functionality.

“We worked closely with the client and the developer throughout the project. It was a creative and exciting process for everyone involved,” says interior architect Ulrika Tjernström.

“Jönköping University had high ambitions for Mariedal but were accustomed to the standard solutions typically used in the university sector. Our interior concept deviated from that, yet they embraced it completely. The developer, in turn, faced the challenge of realising all the crafted details the premises required.”

Tengbom is proud to have contributed to what is hopefully a long refinement process – one that has begun in the remaining historic buildings around the central lake in Jönköping.

Contact person

Matt Patterson

+46 36 440 90 81

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Lilla servicehuset på kyrkogården

An architectural gem for every need
Architecture, Cultural Heritage
Culture
Client: Svenska kyrkan, Kalmar pastorat
Location: Kalmar
Collaborators: WSP
Area: 30 sqm
Year of commission: 2020
Photographer: Jonas Lindström Studio

The small service building at the northern cemetery in Kalmar accommodates an information board, a toilet, and gardening tools for the graves. It is also climate-smart and employs a form language and materials that harmonise with the surroundings. A particularly fine example of careful, functional architecture within a sensitive setting.

Cemeteries possess a special atmosphere that many renowned architects have approached with reverence throughout history. When something is to be built on such sensitive ground, it requires instinct and attentiveness. This applies whether the intention is to erect a chapel with world-heritage potential or, in this context, a perhaps more worldly but nonetheless essential toilet.

A discreet guide with the small service building

Tengbom was commissioned by Kalmar pastorat to design a service building for the northern burial ground. The result is an outwardly modest structure in brick and timber that accommodates several functions. In addition to the mentioned WC, it includes an information board, a storage area for gardening tools, and a space for tending plants brought to the graves. Positioned at one of the cemetery’s entrances, it is intended to act as a gathering point towards and from which visitors can orient themselves. With its sharp angles it remains clearly visible in the landscape, while the colours and materials correspond both with the natural surroundings and the adjacent buildings.

“Much of the answer to how this building should be shaped is already found in the environment and in the existing structures. The interesting part is how it relates to its context,” says lead architect Johan Kjellnäs. Johan completed the project in collaboration with landscape architects.

“It is both an honour and a challenge to work within a cemetery environment. One is able to express a deeper dimension in buildings than in other contexts.”

Johan Kjellnäs, lead architect

Context with quality

Much of the architectural expression takes its cue from the recently extended crematorium. Timber and vertical slats play a key role there — elements that also define the service building. The rendered brick at the centre of the building reflects a nearby staff facility. Meanwhile, the colour palette draws directly from the surrounding pine forest.

“The most enjoyable aspect is simply being able to work in this environment at all. Both older and newer buildings are of high quality. We applied a long-term perspective to all buildings here,” says a visibly enthusiastic Johan Kjellnäs.

Energy from above

The solar panels on the sloping metal roof, which power the electricity in the small service building and also manage any surplus, are another example of long-term and sustainable thinking. The plan is for the entire pastorate to use the building as a model for constructing several similar facilities. It has been noted that many refrain from visiting cemeteries precisely because of the common lack of a toilet. This is now one concern fewer for visitors to the northern cemetery in Kalmar. And, they also have something beautiful to look at should there be a queue.

Contact person

Elin Lönnbom

+46 708 79 99 12

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Lund Cathedral

Timelessness in a new guise
Architecture, Cultural Heritage
Building Preservation & Restoration, Culture
Client: Svenska kyrkan
Location: Lund
Completion: 2023
Collaborators: Building contractor: Thage, project management: Mound Consulting, structural engineer: Restaurera
Awards and nominations: Nomination for the Helgo Prize 2023, winner of Årets bygge 2024

With new roofing sheets and extensive masonry repair, Lund Cathedral regained its characteristic tower caps. After a year of work on the ground, both towers were lifted back into place – in a new, more climate-friendly guise. The restoration was nominated for the Helgo Prize 2023.

Photo: Gunnar Menander

When one of the Nordic region’s most visited landmarks required restoration, there were no shortcuts. The work moved in the borderland between tradition and renewal, where every decision was weighed against both history and sustainability. The result is a piece of craftsmanship executed with precision and long-term durability.

“Our hope is that the repair work and restoration, carried out with an eternal perspective, will bring great benefit to the cathedral’s preservation. And to future generations.”

Erik Wikerstål, lead architect

The legacy of Helgo

The restoration honours Helgo Zettervall’s architectural design and the appearance of the tower roofs – even though the lead sheet has now been replaced with a more environmentally conscious tin-coated stainless steel. Yes, Helgo as in the Helgo Prize. In the 19th century, Zettervall carried out an extensive renovation of the cathedral. The Helgo Prize is awarded by the Swedish National Property Board to particularly meritorious restoration projects, and in 1996 Erik Wikerstål of Tengbom received the prize for Alnarp’s barn.

During Zettervall’s restoration in 1860–80, the cathedral’s two towers and west front were rebuilt. The towers were demolished and reconstructed in a form that he believed could have been possible already in the 12th century. The roof structure consisted of steel profiles, pine planks, and three-metre-long cast lead sheets.

Tower roofs in need of renewed care

Problems with the lead sheets arose as early as the beginning of the 20th century. They were large, heavy, and poorly joined. The roofs took in water and needed re-laying – but the new sheets were also too large for the steep roof. Over time, cracks, leaks, rot damage, and rust appeared in the parapet’s embedded iron bars.

After just over 100 years, the tower roofs urgently required new metal cladding and extensive masonry repairs. Lead is also a toxic material that can contaminate water, soil, and air.

“The Cathedral Chapter wanted to do what was necessary to protect our environment for future generations,” says Erik. Purifying the runoff water from Lund Cathedral’s roof would have required a facility whose size and operation were deemed unrealistic.

Traditional in appearance – improved environmentally

Lead has been used as a roofing material since the Middle Ages – beneath the cathedral floor, lead residues have been found showing that the church had a lead roof even before the fire of 1234. To preserve the traditional appearance, a sheet metal resembling lead was therefore chosen, but one far better from an environmental perspective.

The tin-coated stainless steel (Terne-coated Stainless Steel) oxidises and develops a surface that, once aged, resembles lead sheet. Tin-coated sheet metal also has a long historical tradition, similar to galvanised iron plate.

The Cathedral Chapter wanted to do what was necessary to protect our environment for future generations.

Lund Cathedral now with new spires

In March 2022, the two tower roofs were lifted down and placed within a tent structure north of the cathedral. The new cladding was executed with standing seam sheet metal, following the dimensions and seams of traditional lead roofing.

“The finials, or spires, of the tower caps were made from a lead-clad timber and steel construction and were in such poor condition that they had to be newly fabricated,” says Erik.

Photo: Gunnar Menander

The old finials were scanned and exact replicas were produced in sand-cast aluminium – a material that ages in harmony with the tin surface. At the same time, Zettervall’s inner masonry sections in the parapets were chiselled out and replaced with hard-fired brick in cement mortar. The parapet’s natural-stone cornice received new anchoring with stainless-steel clamps, and the tower caps’ rust-damaged fixings were replaced with 52 stainless-steel threaded rods per tower. All were cast into a new concrete structure clad with reused, hand-moulded yellow brick.

The cathedral’s remaining roof surfaces are, for the time being, sealed with wax and nanotechnology while awaiting future re-laying. Lund Cathedral is filled with visitors every day of the year. Well worth a visit to admire these iconic spires.

Photo: Erik Wikerstål

Contact person

Erik Wikerstål

+46 42 19 48 56

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K1 Riding Hall

Kavallerikasern in Falu red
Architecture
Culture, Sports & Health
Client: Fortifikationsverket
Years: 2012–2014
Location: Riding hall
Photographer: Sten Jansin

In 2014, Fortifikationsverket’s new riding hall, K1 Ridhus (Kavallerikasern 1), was inaugurated. Later the same year, the project received Fortifikationsverket’s own architecture award. In the Falu-red timber building – the result of a winning architectural competition held under intense competition – symmetry is a deliberate strategy that relates to the listed military buildings surrounding it.

Today, the Life Guards, the Mounted Royal Guard and the Police Mounted Unit use Kavallerikasern 1 for training and education. They also host public demonstrations and competitions on the grounds. We took on the roles of both design architect and general consultant during the project planning.

A symmetrical architectural language in the gates, horizontal window bands and roof lanterns lends the building a distinctly military character – order and clarity.

Modern barn with a symmetrical concept

The 105-metre-long riding hall contrasts with the surrounding brick buildings through its Falu-red timber façade, evoking a modern barn. Yet a symmetrical architectural language in the gates, horizontal window bands and roof lanterns gives the building a military identity – order and clarity.

“Our idea was to create a riding hall that is both functional and well attuned to its culturally and historically significant setting. The design concept is a symmetry axis that runs through the entrance gate of the main building and cuts across the parade ground. A fitting approach for a military building,” says Jan Izikowitz, lead architect at Tengbom.

Inside K1 there is seating for 750 spectators. The space is bright and airy, thanks to a slender roof-truss structure with large glazed sections that admit daylight without dazzling either horses or riders. The interior surfaces are clad in stained birch plywood.

“Elegant adaptation and high-quality coherence”

Every three years, Fortifikationsverket presents its architecture award to promote military building traditions and inspire high-quality design in defence properties. For the 2014 ceremony, the jury nominated three projects — and K1 claimed first prize.

The jury’s motivation included the following. “The building is awarded Fortifikationsverket’s Architecture Prize 2014 for its elegant adaptation to both the National City Park and the barracks environment, and for a high-quality coherence in which the contemporary exterior is carried through into the interior.”

Contact person

Kajsa Crona

+46 727 07 79 73

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Gottsunda Cultural Centre

A place for creation
Architecture
Culture
Client:
Location: Uppsala
Completion: 2013
Area: Approx. 10,000 sqm

In 2013, Gottsunda Cultural Centre received a much-needed update. Spaces adapted to programmes and audiences were the key.

Within the building, we created new stages for dance and theatre. Dance at Gottsunda Cultural Centre now has two studios designed to meet the specific ergonomic requirements of dance as well as the theatre’s needs for stage space. The theatre has been provided with a large hall equipped with new sound and lighting technology. This along with a demountable stage that can be adapted to the performances presented.

Internally, the facilities are distributed across two floors. The new library premises were developed together with Marge Interior Architect. The layout is simple: one public area near the entrance to the cultural centre, and one quieter zone further back. K-punkten also includes an open stage. It seats around 75 people and has a retractable stand.

The dance now has two studios. Each one adapted to meet the specific ergonomic requirements of dance as well as the theatre’s spatial needs for stage productions.

New entrance towards the small forecourt

Within the same building at Gottsunda Cultural Centre, there are facilities suitable for exhibitions, a café, and, for instance, “club activities”. Studiefrämjandet has been provided with entirely new premises on two floors, with an entrance directly from the inner street of the centre. Here are spaces dedicated to music, study, and creativity in various forms. We created an interior area for an open market with both permanent and temporary booths, as well as a new entrance facing the “small forecourt”.

Tengbom masters culture

Finally, feel free to explore some of our other cultural projects. Such as libraries, congress centres, museums, stages, riding arenas, concert halls, operas, hotels, and much more.

Contact person

Erik Gardell

+46 8 410 354 72

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Uppsala City Library

Accessible and in tune with the times
Architecture
Building Preservation & Restoration, Culture
Client: Läromästarens Fastighets AB
Location: Uppsala
Project duration: 2008–2016
Project: Renovation and extension
Area: Approx. 200 sqm extension and 300 sqm renovation
Photographer: Tim Meier

Situated along Uppsala’s popular pedestrian street, lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants, Uppsala City Library is a well-frequented destination. Here lies an important architectural legacy to preserve and respond to — an essential premise throughout the renovation and extension project. The library was originally designed by Carl Nyrén.

Since 2008, Tengbom, through its acquisition of Werket, has served as architect for the library’s continuous evolution. In 2009, the children’s section was renovated and a new program room was added. Meanwhile, the listed wooden structure facing the pedestrian street was refurbished to accommodate a café. The courtyard to the south was also opened up, and a new outdoor seating area was created.

 

New foyer and vibrant meeting place at Uppsala City Library

The library expressed a wish to transform the enclosed courtyard into a welcoming space. A foyer and gathering area for reading magazines, among other uses. The library staff also needed space for lectures and exhibitions. Post-renovation, parts of the library are also available for rental. The extension has enhanced the connection with the open courtyard.

The core aim of the project was to create accessibility within the glass courtyard while respecting the character of the existing buildings. One of the buildings is listed, and the library is a landmark structure in the city (originally designed by Nyrén’s architectural office). The challenge lay in making a visible addition without encroaching upon the existing buildings. Robust natural materials were carefully selected. The glass roof features a screen-printed leaf motif, commemorating a beautiful old tree that unfortunately could not be preserved.

The assignment also included both fixed and loose furnishings. A green color palette was chosen, echoing the greenery that once filled the courtyard.

Contact person

Josefin Larsson

+46 72 183 02 34

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Kungsängen Cultural Center

An important local stage
Architecture
Culture
Client: AB Upplands-Brohus + PEAB
Location: Kungsängen, Upplands-Bro
Completed: 2014
Building type: Conversion and extension
Gross floor area: Approx. 3,400 sqm
Photographer: Tim Meier

In a prime location in Kungsängen, the new Cultural Center has become a lively meeting place on the town square. Here, people of all ages gather to enjoy dance, music, and a wide range of other cultural activities and events. Welcome to Kungsängen Cultural Center!

Kungsängens Kulturhus

The new building houses a café and exhibition spaces on the entrance level. One floor down lies a partially submerged multi-purpose room and black box, used for municipal council meetings, concerts, lectures, and film screenings. This part has its own entrance, making it independent from the rest of the building’s functions. Adjacent to the entrance level is a climbing ramp and gathering area designed for younger visitors.

Where culture meets community

The two middle floors are dedicated to the library and a variety of study areas – creating calm and inspiring spaces for focus and learning. At the very top of the building, meeting rooms and office spaces serve the needs of the municipal administration. The distinctive façade features a double-glass system with a copper mesh sandwiched between the panes, adding warmth and depth to both the interior atmosphere and the building’s external expression. This design not only enhances the indoor environment but also plays a key role in shaping the identity of the new town square.

On the roof, solar panels generate renewable energy for the building. In the town hall lobby, a digital display allows visitors to track energy production in real time. A small but impactful reminder of the building’s smart systems and its contribution to a more resource-conscious future.

Kungsängens Kulturhus

Contact person

Mark Humphreys

+46 8 412 53 43

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Frälsningsarmén

A cultural heritage mystery
Architecture, Cultural Heritage
Accessibility, Building Preservation & Restoration, Culture, Renovation & Transformation
Client:
Entrepreneur: Construction company Viktor Hanson
Location: Sankt Göransgatan 61 Stockholm
Assignment years: 2016-2019
LOA: 900 sqm
Collaborators: Tyréns, Acoustic Environment, BK Calculation Consultants, Fire Protection Team, Storköksbyrån, VVS-Kompetens, ÅF, COWI

Frälsningsarmén’s heritage-listed building on Kungsholmen, Stockholm, was in need of both restoration and modernisation. Through a careful balance of reuse and reconstruction, the goal was to preserve its identity while adapting it for today’s needs. But first, one crucial question had to be answered: what lay hidden behind the walls?

A building waiting to be rediscovered

Hantverkaren 18, home to Frälsningsarmén’s 6th Corps, was built in 1911. Over the years, the organisation’s needs had changed, yet the facilities had not kept pace. The kitchen was too small, the lighting inadequate, and the overall wear and tear significant. The work environment needed improvement, and the building required a comprehensive restoration that honoured its past while supporting its future.

With a guiding principle of “preserve and adapt,” the renovation focused on enhancing both function and aesthetics while maintaining the building’s historical character.

A space for many purposes

The updated facility needed to accommodate a variety of functions, including:

  • A flexible assembly hall with a balcony for worship services and large gatherings
  • Meeting rooms, corridors, kitchens, storage, showers, and changing rooms
  • A multifunctional dining room, central to Frälsningsarmén’s mission, where meals are served to those in need

“Buildings are living organisms, shaped by the people who use them. Restoration is never static. It is dynamic, with history and humanity at its core.”

Marco Ercole, Architect

Photo: Sten Jansin

Messages from the past

To uncover the building’s true identity, we had to look back. The investigative phase, known as anamnèsis, the Greek word for “recollection” — guided every decision. The team studied oral histories, archival drawings, historical documents, and photographs, combining historical research with insights from Frälsningsarmén’s staff.

Photo: Sten Jansin

Then, the team conducted a physical investigation — scraping paint layers, uncovering hidden spaces, and evaluating what could be restored, reused, or reconstructed. During the process, they discovered hidden doors, which were carefully repaired and reinstated. Long-buried wood paneling was uncovered and restored, while paint analysis informed a subtle, historically inspired colour scheme. Sealed-off skylights were reopened, allowing natural light to once again fill the dining hall. Additionally, the checkerboard-patterned linoleum flooring was replaced, bringing back the original wooden design.

We reopened the skylights in the dining hall to let light into the premises. Photo: Sten Jansin.

Time, knowledge, and respect

Restoring a 100-year-old building requires more than just technical expertise, it demands patience, precision, and deep respect for history.

By carefully weaving Frälsningsarmén’s legacy into the present, we ensured that its mission, history, and identity remain visible and meaningful for generations to come.

Photo: Stadsmuseet

Contact person

Lina Swanberg

+46 8 412 53 36

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Sundbyberg water tower

A well-preserved Tengbom classic
Architecture
Building Preservation & Restoration, Culture
Client: Sunbybergs stad
Location: Sundbyberg
Project type: Restoration, Reconstruction
Assignment years: 1912, 2009–2010

Our founder, Ivar Tengbom, designed the Sundbyberg Water Tower, which was completed in 1912. This early concrete structure is fully clad in Helsingborg brick, featuring cross-bond patterns and bold ornamentation that reflect the national romantic ideals of the time. Nearly a century later, in 2009, we took on the challenge of adapting the tower for public use, bringing new life to a landmark that had long stood without a clear function.

Sundbyberg water tower is remarkably well-preserved and holds great architectural and historical value. It is a prime example of the utility and industrial buildings constructed around the turn of the 20th century.

As Sundbyberg’s most iconic landmark, its distinctive, monumental character remains a striking presence in the cityscape. When it was first built in 1912, the tower stood as a symbol of Sundbyberg’s rapid modernisation.

Photo: Sten Jansin

Sundbyberg’s most important landmark

A careful transformation

The renovation respected the building’s cultural heritage, using historically accurate materials and methods.

Photo: Sten Jansin

Externally, the design team preserved the tower’s original silhouette by making only minimal changes. Inside, they carefully maintained the original layout and built-in features. They meticulously cleaned and repainted the grand wooden staircase, all windows, and other carpentry details with linseed oil paint in their original colour. Additionally, they designed and crafted a new entrance door to match the original design.

Today, parts of the tower serve the public, now housing a café and exhibition spaces.

A breathtaking view from Sundbyberg’s water tower

If you haven’t visited yet, we highly recommend stopping by for a bite to eat, stunning architecture, and a panoramic view over Sundbyberg from the top of Tornparken.

If you share our passion for restoration and heritage conservation, we invite you to explore more of our work. Take a look at some of our other projects [HERE].

Contact person

Lina Swanberg

+46 8 412 53 36

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Klosterhuset – Vreta Kloster

An exhibition in itself
Architecture, Cultural Heritage
Accessibility, Building Preservation & Restoration, Culture, Renovation & Transformation
Client: Svenska kyrkan
Location: Linköping
Assignment years: Was inaugurated 2019
Construction period: Monastery house 13th century, Church stable 19th century, storage 2019
Collaboration for exhibition design: Archaeologist Göran Tagesson
Awards and recognitions: Nominated for Helgopriset 2023

Some buildings are fortunate enough to enjoy long and eventful lives. Over time, they may change functions, adapting to new needs while retaining their essence. When we developed Vreta Kloster, our aim was to create a vibrant and inviting destination — one that would open up Klosterhuset to all.

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

Photo: Åke E:son Lindman

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

Photo: Åke E:son Lindman

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.

Photo: Åke E:son Lindman

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.

 

Contact person

Magnus Almung

+46 31 708 38 01

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