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Ljura Fire Station

When every second counts
Architecture
Justice & Security Buildings, Offices
Client: Norrköpings kommun
Location: Norrköping
Project years: 2023-2026
GFA: 6,341 m²
Photographer: Felix Gerlach

A fire station built in timber? We understand if that sounds contradictory. But at Ljura, timber became an essential part of the story behind a building where every detail has been considered down to the smallest scale. From the 90 seconds between the alarm sounding and departure, to the moments that make up everyday life at a fire station.

Most of us will probably never set foot inside a fire station. And if we do, it is unlikely to be under calm circumstances. But for the people who work here, the station is as much a home as it is a workplace. This is where they train, share meals, rest, and recover between emergency callouts. That is why the design of Ljura Fire Station began with the people who would use it.

Better conditions for rapid response

The new rescue station replaces the fire station on Södra Promenaden, which dates back to the 1940s. Its new location gives the emergency services better conditions for reaching incidents quickly when the alarm sounds.

“Our overall ambition was to design a building that is easy to read, where the form is directly shaped by the operational needs,” says Joao Pereira, Lead Architect at Tengbom Linköping.

This idea becomes immediately apparent in the floor plan. The building is divided into three distinct volumes, each with its own function. At the heart of them lies the station’s shared social hub – according to Joao, the quality that best captures the project’s central idea. Here, firefighters, engineers, and administrative staff meet every day. It is also where many of the circulation routes that keep the station running efficiently intersect.

Can you hear the sirens?

From the dining room and lounge, staff maintain visual contact with the surrounding activities, particularly through the windows overlooking the appliance bay. This provides both excellent overview and a close connection to the operational environment.

This central meeting place brings together several key qualities: social interaction, efficient circulation, and generous access to daylight. Each is equally important in creating the sense of community and presence that guided the project throughout.

When the alarm sounds – and when it doesn’t

There is really only one moment when a fire station is truly put to the test: when the alarm goes off. From that instant, the crew must be on their way within 90 seconds. A requirement that influences every aspect of the design.

“We therefore worked carefully with the relationships between the station’s different functions. Movement through the building has to be fast, intuitive, and obvious. At the same time, we wanted to create a generous, bright, and people-centred working environment,” says Ioannis Moutsatsos, Design Architect.

At the same time, the station has been designed to function just as well during the many hours when no alarms are raised. The changing rooms, for example, can be reconfigured if operational needs change over time. Acoustics are integrated into the architecture through perforated plywood and plasterboard, creating a comfortable sound environment.

Ioannis describes the clear framework and strict safety requirements as a creative driving force:

“When every metre and every connection can be critical, architecture becomes directly linked to the operation itself.”

Ioannis Moutsatsos

Light as the guiding concept

How do you maximise daylight in a building where people work around the clock? Our answer: a sloping roof. The roof geometry was developed based on daylight performance rather than formal expression, allowing as much natural light as possible into the building. At the same time, it gives the station a distinctive character and strong identity.

“Daylight improves orientation, but it also creates a calmer working environment. It connects the different parts of the station and reinforces the feeling that the shared spaces truly form the heart of the operation.”

Timber construction with ambitious sustainability goals

A timber fire station may raise questions. For Norrköping Municipality, however, the material choice was a natural part of its ambition to deliver public buildings with a lower climate impact. For us at Tengbom, it became an opportunity to explore timber’s potential in a building with exceptionally high functional and safety requirements.

The appliance bay is constructed primarily in timber, while the upper floors are built in cross-laminated timber (CLT). The façades combine timber and brick, while the timber structure has been left exposed wherever operational and fire safety requirements allow – in offices, dormitories, and shared spaces.

The roofs also play an important role. Parts of them are planted with green sedum roofs that help delay stormwater runoff. They capture airborne pollutants, support biodiversity, and provide additional thermal insulation. The station is also self-sufficient in water.

But building with care is about far more than reducing climate impact. Natural materials, abundant daylight, and thoughtfully designed shared spaces also contribute to a workplace where people can thrive, recover, and perform at their best. Just like at Ljura Fire Station.

“A building designed for life-saving seconds – and for everything that happens between the alarms,” Ioannis concludes.

Contact person

Joao Pereira

+46 708 79 99 38

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Vallila C5

Geothermal energy in the building between buildings
Architecture
Offices
Client: NCC
Location: Helsinki
Project years: 2020–2024
GFA : 21,000 m²
Sustainability certification: LEED Platinum
Photographer: Anders Portman, Kuvio Oy

How do you design a new office building between two protected neighbors without making the building whisper “sorry”? In Vallila, Helsinki, the answer was a building where brick, glass, and geothermal energy each have their own role: anchoring the building in the block, bringing in daylight, and heating the workplaces from the ground beneath the city.

Vallila is a central district where different eras of Helsinki meet. Historic industrial buildings stand alongside modern workplaces, housing, and urban life.

“The special aspect of the project was the tension between old and new. We wanted to design a building that feels modern and forward-looking. At the same time, it had to respect the historic buildings surrounding it,” says Marcus Heinänen, Client Lead and Project Manager at Tengbom.

A piece in the urban fabric

When the zoning plan was revised, the opportunity emerged to develop the block along Aleksis Kivi Street. The site was located between existing buildings of significant cultural and historical value, placing high demands on the proposed architecture.

Rather than competing with its neighbors, Vallila C5 was designed to harmonize with them. While the brick façade, proportions, and rhythm draw inspiration from the surrounding buildings, it is equally clear that the building belongs to its own time.

At the top, the façade breaks into soft movements that help the building respond to the varying rooflines of the surrounding block.

Light as a building material

The first thing you encounter is light. Large glazed sections and generous ceiling heights create an open and airy atmosphere throughout the workplaces. The design team made daylight a central part of the experience, both in the offices and in the shared spaces.

In the largest meeting room, an impressive gable window extends from floor to ceiling, framing the city beyond. From the south-facing rooftop terrace, Helsinki’s rooftops unfold across the horizon. Veneer, natural stone, and warm materials create a calm atmosphere and offer a welcoming first impression from the moment visitors step through the entrance.

A pioneer in geothermal energy

The sustainability work began long before the first bricks were laid. The 21,000-square-metre building is LEED Platinum certified and uses geothermal energy as its primary heat source. More than 80 percent of the building’s heating is drawn from the ground beneath the site. This makes Vallila C5 the first office building in central Helsinki to be heated by such a large share of geothermal energy. Solar panels and green roofs further contribute to reducing the building’s climate impact.

98% reused and recycled

When the previous office building on the site was demolished, as much as 98 percent of the demolition materials were either reused or recycled. Parts of the existing building were also preserved for future use. This approach reflects the fundamental idea behind the commission: to make the most of resources, create long-term value, and build upon what already exists.

Contact person

Marcus Heinänen

Client Lead and Project Manager
+358 50 394 1674

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Skogskyrkogården staff building, Mönsterås

In fertile pine forest
Architecture, Landscape
Offices, Parks, Play & Public Spaces
Client: Svenska kyrkan
Location: Mönsterås
Year of completion: 2023
Photographer: Felix Gerlach

In the quiet pine forest just outside Mönsterås, Skogskyrkogården gained a new staff building — a restrained response to practical needs, shaped in dialogue with the landscape and the chapel’s white silhouette. A place for everyday work, and for calm.

When the old staff building had done its time, Mönsterås-Fliseryd parish seized the opportunity to create a new workplace. At the same time, they wanted to strengthen the overall character of the cemetery. Their goal was to build something modern and functional — yet still in harmony with the surrounding landscape.

The new building is designed as an enclosing volume around a sheltered glade – a robust, light-filled courtyard for the practical aspects of the work. The concrete walls bear the imprint of the timber formwork, a tactile memory of the site. The green roof follows the gentle contours of the ground, allowing the building to merge with the landscape.

“The building was meant to remain subordinate to the chapel, yet stand firmly in its own presence. We wanted the house to become part of the forest, not a break in it says.”

Project architect Johan Kjellnäs

Calm for work and mind

Against the backdrop of the pine forest, the small woodland chapel glows white – the main building that, despite its modest scale, commands presence. The new structure accommodates staff facilities, workshop, and storage, as well as a more public section connected to the ceremonial area. Throughout, our architecture is guided by the people who work here – their need for efficient spaces and a safe, pleasant work environment.

The adjacent ceremonial area is a new addition, conceived as a dignified and simple outdoor space for farewells. Here, forest and building meet in a quiet choreography.

“We designed a special screen for the ceremonial area that frames the space and opens towards the tall pines. The gaps in the slats catch the light and let visitors rest their gaze in the forest” explains Amanda Berggren, project landscape architect.

Nature first

Our architects and landscape architects worked closely together throughout the process, united by the intention that the building should reflect the rhythm of the forest – in the vertical rhythm of the timber façades, in the varying heights of the surrounding treetops, and in the interplay of light and shadow.

The glade, the upward-reaching, warmly greying pines, the softly undulating terrain, the heather, the bilberry undergrowth

“The untouched nature is powerfully present and provides a meditative, peaceful backdrop” says Johan. Around the entrances, visitors encounter a clear yet understated design. Shrubs and ground cover plants reinforce the character of the site without disturbing its tranquillity. The inner courtyard has a more functional and pared-back character.

Practical and dignified

With the new staff building, Skogskyrkogården in Mönsterås has gained an addition that embodies the essence of the place. It now offers both a space for work and a setting for ceremony – the practical and the dignified, united in one context.

In 2024, the building received the Mönsterås Timber Architecture Prize. The award highlights the importance of creating architecture that cares. Not just for the natural environment, but also for the people who use it. Ultimately, it’s a recognition of thoughtful design.

Contact person

Elin Lönnbom

+46 708 79 99 12

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Trygg-Hansa-huset

Brutalist stronghold
Architecture, Cultural Heritage
Offices, Renovation & Transformation
Years of construction: 1972–1977
Architects: Anders Tengbom och Stefan Salamon
Landscape architect: Holger Blom

Brutalist, large-scale and uncompromising. Between 1972 and 1977, Trygg-Hansa-huset took shape on Fleminggatan. Anders Tengbom and Stefan Salamon designed one of Sweden’s foremost Brutalist buildings – a structure that has shaped both the cityscape and architectural debate.

Trygg-hansa-huset
The ETG Group: from left, Anders Tengbom, Léonie Geisendorf and Ralph Erskine.

Stockholm was in the midst of an urban transformation when Trygg-Hansa-huset emerged. The redevelopment of Norrmalm had redrawn the city’s skyline, and the office landscape was undergoing fundamental change. Anders Tengbom, son of the renowned architect Ivar Tengbom (founder of Tengbom), had already designed iconic buildings such as Svenska Dagbladet’s headquarters and Hötorgsskrapa no. 2. With Trygg-Hansa, he gained another opportunity to explore contemporary ideals – this time through an office complex that challenged established conventions.

A new view of the office with Trygg-Hansa-huset

Trygg-Hansa-huset broke with the traditional office format and became a forerunner in workplace design. Here, Tengbom developed an early version of what would later be known as the “combi office” – a hybrid between cellular offices and open-plan environments. Instead of relying solely on either small individual rooms or expansive open floors, he created flexible layouts where employees could move between private workspaces and shared social zones.

It is no coincidence that the Trygg-Hansa building is today given a blue classification by the Stockholm City Museum

Brutal and poetic at once

The building’s expression is as strict as it is poetic. The long, eight-storey brick volume stretches along Fleminggatan, giving the building a massive yet finely articulated presence in the cityscape. In contrast to the compact brick façade, a glass building in the northeast, shaped as three hexagons, and a low pavilion in the southeast complete the composition.

Between the three volumes lies a park – a green lung at the heart of the office complex. Behind its design was none other than the legendary city gardener Holger Blom.

Trygg-Hansa-huset

That the building’s forms and functions were considered down to the smallest detail is evident in its artistic decoration. Sculptures, reliefs and details were integrated into both the interior and exterior. Much of the artwork remains in its original condition and continues to be part of the building’s identity.

Protected yet questioned

Trygg-Hansa-huset has the highest cultural-historical classification granted by the Stockholm City Museum, the blue classification. The building’s architectural and societal value is considered comparable to listed buildings under the Cultural Environment Act.

But as is often the case when a city changes, Trygg-Hansa-huset has been part of discussions about redevelopment and densification. Proposals to transform the block have sparked valuable debates on how Brutalist architecture can be preserved and adapted for the future.

“In granting Trygg-Hansa-huset a blue classification, the Stockholm City Museum has made it abundantly clear that their classifications have been degraded in significance. The City Planning Committee will disregard this and similar ill-considered classifications in the future”.

Stockholm politicians, 2009

Brutalism today

Brutalism is an architectural style that often provokes strong feelings, and it was never meant to be restrained. It is uncompromising, honest and monumental. Trygg-Hansa-huset is one of Stockholm’s most prominent examples of this movement and demonstrates how architecture can be both rational and grand at the same time.

Today, the building remains a reminder of a period when Swedish architects dared to think in new ways – when the honesty of materials and the function of spaces guided the design. And perhaps that is why it continues to fascinate – a brick-clad time capsule in a constantly changing city.

Trygg-Hansa-huset

Contact person

Josefin Larsson

+46 72 183 02 34

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Solna United

A flexible vision for the future
Architecture
Offices
Client: Skanska
Location: Solna
Project years: 2013–2020
Project type: New office building
Photographer: Felix Gerlach

Solna is currently one of the most rapidly expanding areas in Sweden. Exciting, of course. But it also demands architecture that places everyday human experience at the center. The team behind the Solna United office building is passionate about community, well-being, and great ideas.

Right now, Solna United is just a construction pit. But soon, an office building with fifteen stories and 50,000 square meters of space will rise. And it’s needed — this area is bustling with activity. The building is just a stone’s throw from Arenastaden and within walking distance of the Mall of Scandinavia. The name, Solna United, is a clear nod to Manchester United. That’s no coincidence, explains Fredrik Eng, one of the lead architects. This is a place where teamwork, conversation, and encounters take center stage.

“The building is designed to support togetherness, team-building, and group dynamics. Those were our starting principles. When it comes to office buildings, dramatic conceptual ideas are rare, and that’s true here as well. People need to meet, click on a computer, drink coffee — their needs are often quite basic,” he says.

A flexible reality

Most office buildings, including Solna United, are designed with flexibility in mind. Tenants should be able to divide the space into individual rooms, opt for open-plan layouts, or choose a mix depending on their needs. And since the building is expected to stand for up to 200 years, no one really knows how it will be used in the future.

All of this is, of course, constantly in the minds of the architects and the client, Skanska, during the development of Solna United. The building has a tripartite core structure. At the base is a very active, public area that will house a restaurant, café, large entrance zones, and a conference section. The idea is to encourage employees to come down to this active area to work and invite spontaneous meetings — perhaps they run into a colleague and decide to grab a coffee together before even starting the workday. Good ideas can come unexpectedly!

Above the active levels sits the “office machine,” made up of more traditional office floors — but with greater flexibility.

“In the past, when everyone wanted a room of their own, office buildings were long and narrow or shaped like loaves. But today, when we mostly work in open spaces and varied environments — at desks, but also together at whiteboards or computers — the needs look different, and this is reflected in the architecture. Proximity to daylight is not as crucial since people move around more during the workday. What matters is being close to one another, and that’s something we’ve really prioritized,” says Fredrik Eng.

“People need to meet, click on a computer, drink coffee — their needs are often quite basic. The trick is meeting those needs in a thoughtful way.”

At the very top, on the roof, there’s something slightly unusual. Here, small “pods”— container-like meeting rooms—are located for more unconventional gatherings.

Good neighbors and good processes

One ambition has been to make Solna United a distinct contrast to the developments on the other side of the tracks, Arenastaden. Fredrik Eng and his team wanted the building to have its own identity — far from the large volumes, narrow streets, and somewhat scaleless expression of the arena complex. To an average observer, it’s hard to grasp how massive it is.

“It’s a bit like a spaceship — you have no frame of reference. We wanted to create something that felt more like Solna, something more tangible and human-scaled. For example, we chose to work with clear materials like brick. Everyone knows the size of a brick. We always tailor both process and outcome to the specific needs of the project; we don’t stand out because we always use the same façade material or always design rounded corners — but because we maintain a high level of ambition and respect for both client and user,” concludes Fredrik Eng.

Contact person

Karin Hagelberg

+46 8 412 52 91

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Sandböljan in Malmö

Historic harbor heritage in motion
Architecture, Cultural Heritage
Offices, Renovation & Transformation
Client: Sandböljan AB
Project years: 2020–2024
Location: Malmö
GFA: 1 500 sqm
Collaborators: Sandböljan AB, Agneta Hahne Arkitektkontor
Awards and recognitions: Malmö stadsbyggnadspris 2025

In the shadow of Malmö’s Frihamnsviadukten, at the crossroads of rail tracks, roads, and industrial buildings, lies Sandböljan. This architectural project carefully transformed a former container yard and warehouse into a vibrant hub for creative businesses.

Photographer: Tengbom

At the edge of the city and the harbor, a new district is emerging. Sandböljan shows how a strong idea, deep commitment, and skilled craftsmanship can breathe life into a previously overlooked place. The triangular industrial site has roots going back to the 1920s, when the building was erected to handle Malmö’s import of precious wood from ports around the world. Today, it houses a photo studio, meeting rooms, a showroom, offices, and workshops. Generous windows and open spaces invite the public into an environment of creativity and craft.

An unusual commission

Photographer: Tengbom

Unlike many of our other projects, a private property owner with a very personal commitment commissioned Sandböljan. Furniture maker and developer Christofer Eliasson wanted to create something long-term, sustainable, and contemporary on a site that people had overlooked for decades. After thirty years in Malmö’s harbor, he describes the place as “never forgotten” and explains that he and his team have treated every intervention with great respect for its history.

“I’ve only created the conditions for new life. The tenants are the ones who will leave their mark – the vision isn’t finished,” says Christofer Eliasson.

In close dialogue with the client, Tengbom has shaped a sustainable vision for the large warehouse, providing both planning and construction documents.

“This project shows how far you can go with small resources – as long as you have a clear idea and respect for what already exists,” says Anders Nilsson, lead planning architect at Tengbom.

Dig where you stand

With history at your back

The building, originally a generous warehouse, was given a new load-bearing structure in the 1970s. New entrances and large brick interior walls now offer flexible spaces for creative work. Old and new elements come together in an architecture that plays with light, views, and volume. The graffiti on the entrance façade appeared overnight, before the large openings were made, and has never been removed – it remains part of the building’s expression.

“It’s an honest architecture. Everything has been crafted with care. With precise cuts and attention to detail, the building has gained new life – with daylight, views, spatial richness, and thoughtful material use,” says Jonas Marculescu, lead architect at Tengbom.

Love for patina

Sandböljan marks the beginning of a new district in Malmö. What was once a paved industrial yard has become a social entrance space with replanted greenery and newly planted willow trees. Here, people gather for lunches, events, or simply to spend time together. The on-site carpentry workshop has made it possible to work with local, sustainable solutions and tailor-made details adapted to the place.

Photographer: Tengbom

“I hope more property owners dare to dig where they stand, without rushing to demolish and modernize. Use what already exists – it’s better for the planet, and who doesn’t love patina?” says Christofer Eliasson.

Christofer emphasizes that the project is not complete. Instead, he describes it as the beginning of a process where new businesses will gradually leave their mark. In this way, the place can evolve at its own pace.

Photographer: Tengbom

Contact person

Josefin Klein

+46 40 641 31 18

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OAS in Malmö

From railway to workplace
Architecture
Offices
Client: Skanska
Location: Malmö, Västra Hamnen
Year: 2021
LOA: 7,500 m²
Sustainability certification: LEED platinum, WELL
Photographer: Felix Gerlach

On the site of the old Sillabanan railway, which once connected Limhamn to central Malmö, a new kind of workplace is taking shape. A health- and environmentally certified oasis, designed to energise employees and promote recovery. Tengbom developed the concept for Kvarteret Abborren, a space where history meets the future of work.

A historic site becomes a cutting-edge district

OAS is located between Ribersborg’s recreational area and Malmö Central Station, seamlessly linking the modern Västra Hamnen district with Malmö’s historic core.

The inner courtyard still holds traces of the old railway, preserving a tangible connection to the city’s industrial and maritime heritage. The demand for new workplaces and housing in Malmö is high, and OAS will provide 7,500 square metres of office space tailored for health, well-being, and sustainability.

“As a symbol of the entire project, we’re reusing and preserving the original Sillabanan tracks in the courtyard,” says Magnus Nilsson, lead architect.

The coastal identity of Malmö is reflected in the blue-green patterned concrete façades, while the craftsmanship of the materials is evident in the detailing. Locally sourced, untreated wood has been prioritised as a sustainable choice, despite the exposed location.

What makes people choose the stairs instead of the elevator?

OAS is designed to encourage healthy choices through subtle design cues. The stairwells will feature calming soundscapes, such as birdsong, making them a more inviting alternative to the lift.

At street level, a bike hotel will offer showers, changing rooms, and tools for repairs—making cycling to work easier than ever. Employees will be able to dock their bike and head straight to their workstation, in a well-lit and secure environment designed to support active commuting.

A workplace designed for restoration

OAS is more than just an office, it’s a place to recharge. The lush rooftop terrace, tucked away from the city below, offers panoramic views of Malmö and the Öresund. It’s a peaceful retreat for meetings, quiet moments, or informal gatherings with colleagues.

Climbing plants cover the façades inside and out. The team sources many materials and furnishings locally or reuses them.

“We’re investing heavily in restorative environments,” says Magnus Nilsson. “Health at work isn’t just about exercise, it’s also about recovery. Here, you can step away from your desk, take a remote meeting, or simply catch your breath for a moment.”

A workplace built for well-being

Skanska is developing OAS as a place where people, ideas, and businesses can grow. At the same time, they are designing it to foster well-being.

“Security at work is incredibly important, and our client has been very focused on that aspect,” Magnus explains. “After a long period of remote work, many people are eager to return to a workplace that supports their well-being. They also want an environment that enhances productivity.”

Awards and recognition

The Sweden Green Building Council has named OAS the LEED Project of the Year 2024.

Contact person

Josefin Klein

+46 40 641 31 18

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Sollentuna fire station

Safe and inclusive
Architecture
Justice & Security Buildings, Offices
Client: Fire department Attunda
Location: Sollentuna, Stockholm
Year: 2020
Photographer: Felix Gerlach

Located along the E4 near Häggvik’s commercial district, Sollentuna’s new fire station is more than just a workplace. It’s designed to improve working conditions and strengthen team spirit. With a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and architecture that supports both safety and collaboration, we hope future firefighters will feel right at home here.

The process of designing and building Sollentuna’s new fire station can be summed up as an equality initiative that has strengthened team cohesion.

With Tengbom as lead consultant, the outdated and condemned station was rebuilt from the ground up, at a completely new location. Lead architect Ingela Marberg has been instrumental throughout the project, driving the design from both an architectural and a gender-inclusive perspective.

“We’re starting to see real diversity in the profession, and we wanted to embrace and encourage that through the station’s design,” says Ingela.

A station where diversity thrives and team spirit grows.

Sustainability and unity — a winning combination

Sustainability has been a central theme throughout the project, from carefully selected materials to the solar panels that contribute to long-term energy efficiency. At the same time, safety and psychological well-being have been key considerations, ensuring a functional and supportive workplace.

A prime example is the innovative locker room, designed to foster team spirit while accommodating all genders. Personal lockers are located in a shared space, while individual booths provide privacy for changing and showering. It’s a thoughtful solution that balances practical needs with a strong emphasis on community and respect.

“After an emergency response, it’s important to talk things through, not sit isolated in separate rooms. The well-planned locker area creates new spaces for informal conversations and mutual support. The feedback from firefighters has been overwhelmingly positive. They already feel a stronger sense of unity,” says Ingela.

A protective structure that follows the road’s movement.

Architecture that builds trust

Sollentuna Fire Station’s form is a direct response to its function and location. The solid brick façade provides a protective barrier against the busy E4 motorway, following the curve of the on-ramp with a strong, grounding presence. Behind it lies a quiet, sheltered courtyard, creating a calm environment for both work and reflection.

At the same time, the welcoming glass façade houses the administrative offices and public functions. A space where form and function come together to support community engagement and knowledge-sharing.

“This is a building that embodies the strength and security of an essential service we all rely on. It’s designed to stand the test of time in every sense,” concludes Ingela.

In service around the clock

Sollentuna Fire Station is a 24/7 full-time station, responding to around 600 calls per year. Since its inauguration in 2020, it has continued to play a vital role in the municipality’s emergency response and public safety efforts.

Contact person

Anna Morén

Practice Director Stockholm
+46 841 03 54 47

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Grums new fire station

For increased safety
Architecture
Justice & Security Buildings, Offices
Client: Grums Kommun
Location: Grums, Värmland
Year: 2024
Collaborators: PEAB, Räddningstjänsten, Grums kommun

With around 240 emergency calls per year, the fire station in Grums is the busiest part-time station in the region. We designed a new facility that is safer, more visible, and better suited to those who work there.

Many of the station’s callouts involve traffic accidents on the E18, incidents at Gruvön’s mill, or emergency operations on Lake Vänern. The existing station is in poor condition, and the new facility will not only improve working conditions for firefighters but also provide a more strategic location for emergency response.

“The new fire station ensures faster response times and creates an attractive workplace,” says Elin Larsson, office manager at Tengbom Karlstad. “Fire and rescue services play a crucial role in society, and this new location enhances safety for the community. We’ve had a great collaboration with Peab, the fire service, and the municipality.”

Safe, visible, and inclusive

The new fire station is strategically located for quick access to the town center, industrial sites, the E18, and Lake Vänern. Situated along a major route, it will be highly visible. An illuminated gable façade, inspired by the glow of emergency services, enhances its presence. The design prioritizes modern technology, a safe working environment, and inclusivity.

A new location that brings greater safety to the community

Sustainable design with solar power and treated wood

The station’s long side faces southwest, optimising roof space for solar panels. The façade combines heat-treated wood and perforated metal, while the gables are clad in sleek, unadorned metal to create a clean silhouette. Recessed sections of the façade feature warm brown, pigmented heat-treated wood, blending durability with aesthetic appeal.

Most of the roof faces southwest to optimize solar panel installation. The northeast-facing slope holds other technical installations, keeping them less visible from the surroundings.

Both the fire service and the municipality have eagerly awaited the new fire station. The official inauguration took place in February 2024. Full operation will begin in 2025, providing a state-of-the-art home for some of Sweden’s most essential emergency responders.

Contact person

Elin Larsson

+46 702 75 67 66

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The National Archives in Härnösand

A place for democracy and cultural heritage
Architecture, Landscape
Justice & Security Buildings, Offices, Parks, Play & Public Spaces
Client: Specialfastigheter
Area: 35 000 sqm
Project duration: 2020 – ongoing
Collaborators: PEAB
Sustainability certification: Miljöbyggnad Guld
Photographer: Felix Gerlach

Set amidst the blue-tinged heights of Höga Kusten, the National Archives in Härnösand draws its identity from the surrounding landscape of pine forests, red granite, and wood. This new landmark is not just a repository of records but a bastion of democracy and a celebration of cultural heritage.

The artwork Behållarna by Salad Hilowle is carved into the wooden walls.

Located in Saltvik, north of Härnösand, the site boasts a commanding view of Älandsfjärden. Approximately 100 employees will work here alongside 258,000 shelf meters of archived material.

“Our vision revolves around timelessness,” says Pontus Eriksson, lead architect at Tengbom. “Sustainability and openness are core values in this project. We designed a timeless structure linking the archival section with an office building through an atrium and a welcoming visitor area.”

A historical site modeled in 3D

The exterior design combines classical aesthetics with a modern touch. The archive section, constructed of concrete, ensures compliance with fire and climate control requirements and allows for future expansion.

“This is a substantial building set in a sloping natural landscape,” explains landscape architect Jenny Söderling. “We used 3D modeling extensively to ensure it integrates harmoniously and sustainably with its surroundings.”

The interplay between the building and the landscape is further emphasized in the facade design and the patterned paving.

Höga kusten’s red granite

The concrete incorporates Ångermanland’s red native stone, Nordingrå granite. Its red hue is visible from a distance, guiding visitors to the right place. The surrounding landscape is reflected in the interplay between the building and nature, both in the facades and the repetitive patterns on the ground.

“Incorporating local stones into the paving brings Höga Kusten’s rugged cliffs to life,” adds Jenny. “Irregular stone slabs were used in the paving, evoking a sense of nature breaking through the structured surfaces.”

Warmth in wood and greenery

Contrasting the concrete archive section, the office portion features wooden construction with a glulam facade stained in reddish tones.

“Tengbom has beautifully captured the essence of our natural surroundings,” says Håkan Viklund, Project Manager at the National Archives. “It’s a landmark for both Härnösand and the entire region.”

The exterior features a diverse range of natural elements and vegetation, with green spaces around the building designed to mimic nature. Rain gardens—lush, soft areas—will manage stormwater and provide contrast to the harder surfaces used for heavy transport and deliveries. A layer of crushed stone and gravel softens the parking area.

Climate-smart and high-tech at the National Archives

Solar panels, green roofs, and the aim to certify the National Archives under the Miljöbyggnad Guld standard are key components of its sustainability ambitions. High-tech solutions ensure optimal indoor climate control and fire safety. The Swedish Tax Agency will also share the premises, allowing two government agencies to work flexibly under one roof. The public area on the ground floor includes an auditorium, conference rooms, and a four-story reading room.

“This is a response to the pandemic. Many government agencies are now rethinking their spaces to accommodate hybrid meetings, hybrid work models, and the ability to offer remote work,” explains Håkan Viklund. “Personally, I’m glad we can still meet in person, and Tengbom has made that possible for us.”

A democratic memory bank

Archives may seem outdated today—are we really still collecting paper? Yet, under Swedish constitutional law, archives are a vital tool for ensuring public transparency. Making materials accessible and digitized also supports research and development.

“In today’s world, where democracy is under pressure in many places, an archive is a democratic institution,” says Pontus Eriksson. “It preserves the world, serving as a cornerstone of democratic society.”

Contact person

Pontus Eriksson

+46 8 412 52 60

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