Nestled on a forest-clad northern slope by Lake Mälaren, not far from Sigtuna and Arlanda, lies the Kämpasten Conference Center. This is where business leaders from the Stockholm School of Economics’ Executive Education program come to further their knowledge. After the kitchen and dining hall were destroyed in a fire, Johan Sundberg Architects, in collaboration with Tengbom, were commissioned to design a new main building—one that exudes strength and presence.

Initially, the project involved developing a master plan for the facility. The center is organized around a “bygata” or village street—a concept originating from the original competition proposal in the 1980s. The plan emphasizes preserving the character of the site—its forest and water—while enhancing the sensory experience of Kämpasten.

“Spatial experiences, materiality, connection to nature, the interplay of light, and other architectural elements were to combine to create an atmosphere that fosters a deep connection to the place, enhancing participants’ sense of presence,” explains Johan Sundberg, lead architect.

Vision and a client that values architecture

Before the fire, the only building deemed worth preserving without significant renovation was the communal kitchen and dining hall. Tragically, this building burned to the ground in summer 2020, just before the new plan was set to be presented. The assignment expanded to include designing a completely new main building. After multiple visits to the ruins, the placement of the new structure was adjusted accordingly.

“Every building is a new prototype and requires flexibility and ongoing dialogue. But the project’s success is also due to the Stockholm School of Economics’ understanding and appreciation of architecture,” says Johan Sundberg. “Our vision was to create a destination that highlights the unique qualities of the site, making Kämpasten a special place for executive education.”

A respectful collaboration to achieve excellence

After Johan Sundberg developed the architectural concept for the new main building, Erik Gardell from Tengbom joined the project to take it from design development through construction.

“Our backgrounds differ, but our perspectives on architecture are similar,” says Erik Gardell. “We’re both generalists who can adapt our roles depending on project needs. For Kämpasten, structure and role clarity were crucial to the collaboration and contributed to the excellent results.”

“Erik’s team clarified and refined the concept,” says Johan. “Our collaboration strengthened and improved the project rather than simplifying it. With our shared language and reference framework, we successfully enhanced the inherent quality of the project.”

A building in harmony with nature

The new building deviates from the footprint of its predecessor, creating views over a terraced square where the old structure once stood. Built into the slope with three varying floor levels, the design follows the natural contours of the landscape. The interior captures the surroundings with a shift in the floor plan’s angle. A large hipped roof ties the new structure to the rest of the campus while remaining below the treetops. A central spine wall separates the guests’ dining and conference areas from the large kitchen. The slight misalignment of the roof lines introduces skylights that channel daylight into the building’s core.

“It was obvious that the structural frame should be made of wood, visible as a post-and-beam system—not as a series of walls with openings,” Johan notes.

“The upper floor is open, offering sweeping views of the forest and lake, while the ground floor is more intimate, with enclosed spaces, smooth timber ceilings, carpets, and a direct connection to the earth.”

Vision and a client that values architecture

Before the fire, the only building deemed worth preserving without significant renovation was the communal kitchen and dining hall. Tragically, this building burned to the ground in summer 2020, just before the new plan was set to be presented. The assignment expanded to include designing a completely new main building. After multiple visits to the ruins, the placement of the new structure was adjusted accordingly.

“Every building is a new prototype and requires flexibility and ongoing dialogue. But the project’s success is also due to the Stockholm School of Economics’ understanding and appreciation of architecture,” says Johan Sundberg. “Our vision was to create a destination that highlights the unique qualities of the site, making Kämpasten a special place for executive education.”

A respectful collaboration to achieve excellence

After Johan Sundberg developed the architectural concept for the new main building, Erik Gardell from Tengbom joined the project to take it from design development through construction.

“Our backgrounds differ, but our perspectives on architecture are similar,” says Erik Gardell. “We’re both generalists who can adapt our roles depending on project needs. For Kämpasten, structure and role clarity were crucial to the collaboration and contributed to the excellent results.”

“Erik’s team clarified and refined the concept,” says Johan. “Our collaboration strengthened and improved the project rather than simplifying it. With our shared language and reference framework, we successfully enhanced the inherent quality of the project.”

A building in harmony with nature

The new building deviates from the footprint of its predecessor, creating views over a terraced square where the old structure once stood. Built into the slope with three varying floor levels, the design follows the natural contours of the landscape. The interior captures the surroundings with a shift in the floor plan’s angle. A large hipped roof ties the new structure to the rest of the campus while remaining below the treetops. A central spine wall separates the guests’ dining and conference areas from the large kitchen. The slight misalignment of the roof lines introduces skylights that channel daylight into the building’s core.

“It was obvious that the structural frame should be made of wood, visible as a post-and-beam system—not as a series of walls with openings,” Johan notes.

Movement and light in Kämpasten’s floor plan

Between the timber columns, glass panels dominate, with filled sections only where necessary. The roof structure, resembling the veins of a leaf when viewed from below, adds a natural touch. Concrete is used for the foundation and stabilizing walls, clearly delineating these elements. To meet the span and technical requirements of the kitchen, a cast-in-place intermediate floor was implemented.
The building layout encourages movement and circulation between dining halls, lounges, and conference rooms. A centrally located staircase channels daylight to the lower level.

“The upper floor is open, offering sweeping views of the forest and lake, while the ground floor is more intimate, with enclosed spaces, smooth timber ceilings, carpets, and a direct connection to the earth.”

Erik Gardell

Sensory and natural

The team used untreated pine and spruce for the façade, structure, and ceilings, while finishing the interiors with ash and oak. Limestone flooring and exposed concrete complement the material palette. The building’s façade elements, metalwork, and fittings feature lacquered metal. Designer Pierre Sindre added tactile furnishings and textiles made from natural materials.

“We’ve remained true to the project’s narrative and shared vision throughout,” says Erik. “The collaboration has taught us much—not least the importance of clear communication and the courage to follow one’s ideas.”

“Trusting each other’s reasoning was immensely valuable,” Johan adds. “One must dare to discuss and reveal ideas to create the best architecture.”