Archives

Ämbetsbyggnaden Gamla Hovrätten

Court out, school in
Architecture, Cultural Heritage, Landscape
Accessibility, Building Preservation & Restoration, Education, Parks, Play & Public Spaces
Client: Statens fastighetsverk
Location: Jönköping
Photographer: Tengbom
Heritage consultant: Anders Franzén, Länsmuseet
Awards: Category winner in Good building conservation, Jönköping Urban Design Award 2025

Once a closed government building in central Jönköping. Today a modern upper secondary school with architectural traces from the 1870s. So how do you avoid conflicts between contemporary technical requirements and historical values? Ämbetsbyggnaden has the answer.

When the Göta Court of Appeal and the National Courts Administration moved out, the culturally significant 19th-century building stood ready for new chapters. The ambition was clear: without erasing the building’s identity, it would be transformed into an upper secondary school. The formerly enclosed office and archive environment would become an open setting for teaching, activity and shared spaces. Naturally, with high demands for functionality, accessibility and a well-functioning everyday environment for students and teachers.

With great anticipation, we embraced the challenge.

Preserve as far as possible!

Ämbetsbyggnaden’s character as a “house in park” guided the entire process for both our architects and landscape architects. The exterior was preserved as far as possible, while necessary additions were made to ensure safe access for all. A ramp, new stairways and evacuation solutions were carefully designed to merge with the façade and feel inherent to the site.

House in park

Inside, visitors encounter interiors bearing traces of the 1940s renovation. The entrance hall, stairwells and corridors with plastered ceilings and fixed bookshelves have been left untouched. Here, students move between classes in spaces that still tell the story of the building’s former life.

— The starting point was to preserve the exterior as far as possible, says Gunilla Gustafsson, lead building architect for Statens fastighetsverk at Tengbom in Jönköping. At the same time, the building must function as a school today, which means making the right interventions in the right places.

Thoughtful solutions behind the scenes

Transforming a listed building into a school involves numerous considerations. With the school’s — and self-evident — requirement for good air quality, ventilation became one of the greatest challenges. To avoid extensive interventions in floor structures and exposed ductwork, air-handling units were placed in the basement and attic. The building’s solid brick structure contributes to a calm acoustic environment, complemented by carefully integrated acoustic measures.

— There is often a clash between modern technical requirements and historical values, Gunilla explains. Our task has been to find solutions that work in everyday use without taking over the rooms.

The park that returned

Outside the building, the southern part of the site has been transformed and given new significance. Today, Hovrättsparken once again unfolds here, restored with inspiration from how the site appeared around 1870. For students and teachers, the park is an outdoor room for breaks, conversation and study — and for the city, a green space once again accessible to the public.

— The upper secondary school gives generations of students the opportunity to discover the site’s history and use the park in their daily lives. In addition, the former office parking area has been removed and the park restored to its original condition with new tree and shrub plantings, says Gunilla. The park restoration was carried out by landscape architects Anders Brandstedt and Linda Grimheden at Tengbom in Stockholm.

“A textbook example of restoration and adaptation of a listed building for new use. A careful and highly competent renovation of the Göta Court of Appeal archive building from the 1860s, where the 1940s interior forms an intriguing point of departure for the school’s interior design. The transformation of the park contributes to the urban realm, and the elegant exterior additions have been executed with great respect for the original.”

Jury statement, Jönköping Urban Design Award 2025

Ämbetsbyggnaden winner of the urban design award

The work on Ämbetsbyggnaden demonstrates how a listed building can be adapted to contemporary needs with respect, care and precision. It also shows how architecture can provide young people with an environment that both functions well and feels meaningful to inhabit.

— The positive collaborative climate within the consultant team contributed to the excellent final result, with my colleagues Jakob Ideskog, Saskia Jäkel and Hanna Ernlundh forming the core of the team.

Ämbetsbyggnaden is certified according to Miljöbyggnad Silver and was category winner in Good building conservation at the Jönköping Urban Design Award 2025.

Contact person

Matt Patterson

+46 36 440 90 81

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Attic apartments in Kvarteret Generalen

Designed by Ivar Tengbom
Architecture, Cultural Heritage
Accessibility, Building Preservation & Restoration, Housing, Renovation & Transformation
Client: Bostadsbolaget
Location: Göteborg
Year: 2019-ongoing

As Gothenburg continues to grow, so does the demand for housing. There are many ways to address this, but one sustainable solution is to convert existing buildings. In Kvarteret Generalen, unused attic spaces are being transformed into 24 new apartments — preserving history while creating much-needed homes.

In 2019, the municipal housing company Bostadsbolaget received a tip from its staff about unused attic spaces in one of its properties in Haga. A feasibility study soon confirmed that the high ceilings — reaching up to six or seven metres — could accommodate 24 new apartments, while still leaving room for new attic storage areas.

Since then, twelve loft apartments have been completed on Södra Allégatan, and another twelve are on the way.

Original drawing by Ivar Tengbom.

“The attic space our staff noticed in Haga had impressive ceiling heights. The study showed that we could create 24 apartments while still providing new storage areas in the attic”, says Per Orshammar, Project Manager, Bostadsbolaget

Each apartment is unique in layout and size, ranging from 31 to 35 square metres. All feature an open-plan kitchen and living space. The next phase of the project will begin in 2024, with the final twelve apartments set to be available for rent by 2025–2026.

We’ve had to be creative while showing great respect for the building’s cultural and historical values.

Kvarteret Generalen – a historic landmark

Haga is one of Gothenburg’s oldest districts, known for its cobblestone streets, small squares, and historic buildings. It’s a highly desirable area, but new construction is nearly impossible. Instead, the focus is on adapting existing buildings, as seen in Kvarteret Generalen.

Originally built in 1866 as a children’s hospital, the property was designed by architect Frans Jacob Heilborn. In 1910, four additional stone buildings—ranging from four to six storeys—were added, designed by Ivar Tengbom and Ernst Torulf. Today, Haga’s charm attracts both residents and visitors, blending a vibrant café culture with historic character.

Attic conversions in two phases

The first twelve apartments are now complete, marking the first phase of the project. With the second phase underway, another twelve apartments and additional storage spaces are being created.

“What makes this project particularly exciting is the challenge of preserving and enhancing the original architecture while creating modern homes,” says Helena Elisson, architect at Tengbom.

“We approached the project with a solution-driven mindset—balancing creativity with deep respect for the building’s cultural heritage.”

By preserving Ivar Tengbom’s original architectural vision, we have created new living spaces without compromising the historic integrity. Achieving this required careful material selection and thoughtful design. The project began with a feasibility study and a building permit process to ensure a seamless transformation.

Smart and sustainable solutions

By reusing existing structures, the project reduces environmental impact while creating valuable new homes for Gothenburg residents. Helena emphasises that collaboration with Bostadsbolaget was key to solving challenges within the complex structure of the building, especially in areas like ventilation and chimney placement.

“Together, we explored a variety of solutions. In some apartments, we designed skylights, in others dormer windows,” explains Helena.

“One innovative approach was to install a raised floor, making it easier to route plumbing and ventilation systems. The white interiors and light-stained wooden floors further enhance natural daylight and create a modern feel.”

Transforming the future of housing

The Kvarteret Generalen project demonstrates how historical buildings can be preserved and adapted while contributing to the housing market. By creating 24 new homes within an existing structure, the project showcases a sustainable and innovative response to housing shortages.

“While 24 apartments won’t solve Gothenburg’s housing crisis, it’s a great example of how we can rethink and repurpose existing spaces,” says Helena. “It required technical expertise, creativity, and a deep respect for the building’s historic significance.”

Contact person

Kajsa Crona

+46 727 07 79 73

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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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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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Vendelsömalm School Building A

From the 1960s, now in new garb
Architecture, Cultural Heritage
Accessibility, Building Preservation & Restoration, Education, Renovation & Transformation
Client:
Location: Haninge Municipality
BTA: 8000 sqm
Assignment years: 2017-2021
Photographer: Felix Gerlach

In an understated concrete and wooden structure that is typical of its era, Vendelsömalm School opened in Haninge in 1966. With an aim to “preserve and reuse as much as possible,” the school has now been updated to meet contemporary needs and requirements. 

The original Vendelsömalm School consisted of a robust building with a few distinctive and sturdy materials, like untreated concrete and pine, brown linoleum and terrazzo. A minium red accent colour added contrast and recurred in the windows and wooden doors. Several renovations and technology installations were then carried out.

Vendelsömalm School
The 110-meter-long main hall and the stairway system link the building together.
Vendelsömalm School
The team made the main entrance and two schoolyard entrances accessible and replaced the entryways.

“The challenge was to adapt a typical 1960s building to a school’s contemporary requirements regarding acoustics, accessibility and modernity”.

Tove Krogh-Andersen, Lead Architect 

A return to the original quality

Vendelsömalm School has 600 students from preschool to ninth grade. In 2018, the school underwent an extensive and necessary renovation, replacing the ventilation and electricity. Tengbom was tasked with renovating and upgrading the main building and modernizing the accessibility and functionality of the floor plan.

“We wanted to retain the feel of the original, with cast concrete on three half-levels,” explains Tove. The 110-meter-long main hall, with its beautiful stairway, holds everything together. At the same time, we wanted to restore the former look of natural materials and recreate them in conversation with a contemporary style.

Greater security with a new floorplan

When we adapted the premises for their purpose, we moved the reception and principal’s office closer to the main entrance. The break room was also moved to improve student safety. The special education classroom, student health, library and teachers’ lounge were all placed centrally in the building.

“Vendelsömalm School isn’t a listed building. However, we brought in one of our restoration architects early on to document and analyze the building,” says Tove. “That study was the basis for several decisions.”

We let in more light

The team installed energy-efficient windows with transoms that resemble the originals, along with awnings and natural-coloured facade panels. They also made the main entrance and two schoolyard entrances accessible and replaced the entryways. Inside, they updated all installations and converted the cellar into a fan room. A new elevator now provides access down to the basement floor.

For more light, accessibility and safety, the new doors are glazed. The doors are all orange once again, like the original colour. A total renovation of the surfaces entailed new floors, a new false ceiling, acoustic solutions and fresh paint. There is now also a garbage room and a loading yard.

Vendelsömalm School
The tables and benches have an open design that neither cements roles nor determines who sits where.
Vendelsömalm School
The facades now have energy-efficient windows with transoms reminiscent of the original windows, awnings, and natural-coloured facade panels.

Renewal from historic walls

“The goal was to clean and restore the concrete in the main hall,” says Tove. “We decided to remove the old murals, which students painted with latex paint in the 90s. Unfortunately, it was hard to carry out such an extensive restoration of concrete. Instead, it was painted in concrete-like colours with the preserved rough texture of boards at the base. Old dents and the history on the walls can add a lot of beauty and invigoration.”

The false ceiling in the big main hall features untreated wood, restoring the room’s original concept. The walls in the combined assembly hall and cafeteria now have untreated wood panels, enhancing both aesthetics and acoustics.

Vendelsömalm School
A restful space.

Sound is subdued by the building – not the kids

In the open student areas, the team refreshed the original wooden furniture with modern, inviting seating and tables. They designed the adaptable module system for easy adjustments.

“Before, the acoustics problem was solved by telling the kids to be quiet. If it was warm inside, you opened a window. Today, the school has to offer a good, sound environment and ventilation”.

Tove Krogh-Andersen

“The design of the tables and benches allows students to move freely without fixed roles or assigned seats,” says Tove. “The space adapts to different needs and situations. A school should be welcoming to all.”

Contact person

Mark Humphreys

Practice Director Stockholm
+46 8 412 53 43

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Kalmar City Library

Kids get the best room in the new library
Architecture, Cultural Heritage
Accessibility, Building Preservation & Restoration, Culture, Education, Renovation & Transformation
Client:
Year: 2018-2020
Area: 3 100 sqm
Type: Preliminary study and interior design
Builder and partners: Klövern, Ulestedts snickeri & inredningar
Photography: Felix Gerlach

When Kalmar City Library moved into the city’s new cultural quarter, the focus was on children’s love of reading and joy of discovery. This three-story former post office is now a modern, accessible library.

Kalmar City Library
The city library in the old post office from 1947, designed by architect Lars-Erik Lallerstedt.
Kalmar City Library
To the right of the main entrance, the large window lets light into the children’s studio.

At Tengbom, we are passionate about preserving old buildings – and carefully upgrading them to meet the needs and conditions of today. We had the opportunity to create the interior design for the new city library and to transform the old post office and subsequent market hall into a vibrant space for readers of all ages.

From the balcony you can look out over the family section where the story tent enthrones itself in the middle of the room.

Kalmar City Library won Kalmar Municipality’s architecture and urban design award in 2021. From the jury’s statement:

“With a careful, sustainable renovation that qualitatively adds value, this project contributes to developing a good living environment for all residents of Kalmar and serves as a meeting space. The project visually communicates care for the overall whole and in the exterior and interior details, with a balance between form, function and sustainability in order to achieve excellent architecture.”

It started with a horseshoe

The head architect of Posten, L.E. Lallerstedt, designed the post office building in Kalmar in 1947. In the original space, the counter was built into a horseshoe-shaped depression in the floor. Today, this depression, as well as the floor and shapes, serve as a starting point rather than a challenge.

“We wanted to preserve the details, and at the same time we needed to give the space a new sense of flow,” says Hanna Philipsson, architect at Tengbom. “We had the horseshoe to work with, so we went from there and we also used an octagonal pattern from the original floor and the façade.”

Custom interior decor preserves and renews

The library has three stories, and the atmosphere becomes calmer the higher you go in the building. The beautiful entryway has been preserved in its entirety.

Kalmar City Library
Rooms for older children create space for individual reading but also function as a meeting place for smaller groups.
Kalmar City Library
Place-built forms for smaller children offer play and reading.

“We’ve created a lot of custom furniture,” says Hanna. “Interior architects don’t get to design furniture very often. Here, we’ve really gotten to think about it and head to the drafting table. We’ve worked to preserve older aspects while creating new functions.”

Unlike a classic library that naturally encourages silence, Kalmar City Library now invites play and socializing for all ages. Swings and slides add to the fun, while smaller seating areas offer families and kids a place to read, get cozy, and create their own little worlds. In the center of the room stands a light and transparent fairytale tent, inspired by the copper tent in Stockholm’s Haga Park.

Kalmar City Library
The story tent is the heart of the family section. The form interacts with Lars-Erik Lallerstedt’s design.

Open spaces and rooms within rooms

Kalmar City Library
New openings in walls create space and tie the interior together. The balcony offers a view down towards the fiction department.

Interior design ought to be felt and experienced. Naturally, the library also includes spaces for adults. Secluded areas with good lighting create perfect spots for reading and concentration – little rooms within rooms.

The horseshoe shape plays a role throughout the children’s area of the large hall. The room is lined with bookshelves in rounded shapes, with books on the outside and private seating arrangements on the inside.

The palette features blue and brown. The deep blue upholstery, bookshelves, and soft carpeting blend beautifully with the rich, dark-glazed wooden ceiling. In the center, a light brown checked floor adds warmth and harmony.

“We wanted to take the aesthetic perspective for kids seriously, and not use the classic signal colours that are so common in children’s design. The shapes and functions, and the colours of the books, contain a playful element”.

Hanna Philipsson

In addition to the interior design, Tengbom also carried out the feasibility study for the project. The library opened in 2021.

Kalmar city library is a q-marked building that will become part of the cultural quarter of the future.

Contact person

Joao Pereira

Practice Director Kalmar and Linköping
+46 708 79 99 38

Related

Bergius Botanic Garden

A chlorophyll-filled assignment
Cultural Heritage, Landscape
Accessibility, Culture, Heritage Expertise, Parks, Play & Public Spaces, Renovation & Transformation
Client:
Year: 2019 -
Area: 60 hectare
Assignment type: General consultant assignment
Builder and partners: Statens Fastighetsverk
Photography: Felix Gerlach

A plant museum. That’s one way to describe Stockholm’s Bergius Botanic Garden, where Katarina Enekvist at Tengbom is in-house architect on behalf of the National Property Board of Sweden. Here, you can visit the giant Victoria water lily, learn about everything from Nordic to tropical plants, or simply give your eyes a momentary break from the asphalt.

The Italian terrace gives space to Mediterranean flora.
View of Brunnsviken from the Italian terrace, one of the garden’s most important vantage points.

Science, botany and relaxation. The beautiful scenery of Bergius Botanic Garden is located near Brunnsviken beach in Stockholm. Visitors can discover plants from around the world: fruit and berry orchards, as well as plant taxonomy areas that show how the plants are related.

In-house architect who puts valuable environments to use

Katarina Enekvist, Restoration Architect at Tengbom, has been an in-house architect for Bergius Botanic Garden since 2019. She has many years of experience leading complex assignments in environments of cultural-historic value. As an in-house architect, it is not enough simply to be skilled in design, or to have knowledge of cultural history. It is also important to balance the historic environment with today’s demands.

“It’s an incredibly exciting challenge to get to know the garden and to be immersed in the needs and possibilities of a listed building”.

Katarina Enekvist

Since the year 1900, the Victoria House has vaulted its glass dome over an imaginative tropical world.

Preserve and improve with subtlety

The world’s largest water lily comes from the Amazon but now also has a home in the pool in the Victoria House.

The assignment of in-house architect entails long-term responsibility. And a great deal has already happened since 2019. The team has developed the old Utsiktstornet lookout tower to bring the authentic nineteenth-century environment to life. At Victoria House, they have reviewed the construction and carried out maintenance on the glass. They will restore the garden director’s overgrown garden by the Bleket building. Workers have made difficult-to-access areas of the garden accessible by installing new, specially made iron railings and restoring the stairs and walkways. The team has created a project plan for Naturens Hus in Finnstugan, an educational space for schools and kids. Designers will clarify Bergius Botanic Garden’s various entryways with a new design, and sketches are in the works.

Builders constructed the old orangery in 1926 for the garden’s tropical plants. Today, it houses a popular restaurant.

Maintenance of the grounds and wooden buildings

In addition, working in collaboration with tradespeople and painting conservators, Katarina Enekvist has carried out antiquarian reviews and consultation on the restoration and maintenance of all wooden buildings at Bergius Botanic Garden. This work has resulted in an important knowledge base, including a care program for the grounds and buildings.

“The garden should be a place for everyone, with a connection to both the past and the present. I look forward to continuing to contribute to developing this place,” says Katarina Enekvist.

Bergius Botanic Garden and Brunnsviken seen from above.
Bergius Botanic Garden, the Stockholm Botanical Garden and the Royal National City Park.

Contact person

Mark Humphreys

Practice Director Stockholm
+46 8 412 53 43

Related

Swedish National Museum of Art

Eye-opening architecture - National Museum
Architecture, Cultural Heritage
Accessibility, Building Preservation & Restoration, Culture, Heritage Expertise, Renovation & Transformation
Client: National Property Board
Years of commission: 2013-2018
Architects: Wingårdhs with Tengbom as subcontractor
Awards and recognitions: Årets Betongarkitekter, Stenpriset, nominated for Kasper Salin

Through Erik Wikerstål, formerly Wikerstål Architects, Tengbom, as a sub-consultant to Wingårdhs, has carried out restoration, renovation, and updating of the Swedish National Museum of Art. On October 13, 2018, the doors were reopened to the public, and it is in every way a lighter museum that is met by the visitors.

It took five years with much respect, finesse, and expertise to dismantle the Swedish National Museum of Art and then reassemble it in an updated, modern, and accessible version. For 150 years, the museum has been rebuilt time and time again based on various prevailing ideals. They have built windows, lowered ceilings, and changed the floor plan. Now, on behalf of the National Property Board of Sweden, Tengbom, in collaboration with Wingårdhs, metaphorically opened the museum’s eyes, let in the light and re-established contact with the city and world outside.

“We approached the mission as restoring Friedrich August Stüler’s vision for the building to the original, but adapted it to today’s ideal for museum activities in combination with the needs and expectations of a public building.”

Erik Wikerstål, responsible architect from Tengbom

Above all, the work has entailed a major technical renovation focusing on personal safety, fire safety, climate, and accessibility. The result is a museum that is better for the visitor, better for the art, and better for the staff who work there.

All the light in the courtyards 

The team raised the courtyard floor to accommodate new ventilation equipment placed in Blasieholmensberg. They then lowered the church hall floor to its original level, creating an accessible entrance on the same plane. To improve accessibility, they also converted eight windows around the courtyards into doorways.

The southern courtyard has received an expressive addition in the form of a lift tower. It is designed to be a large sound-absorbing box with the function of an altar cabinet where the screens and technology for seminars are hidden behind two large doors.

Swedish National Museum of Art
Erik Wikerstål in front of the elevator tower.

“The only new form we have introduced is essentially a wickerwork structure on the lift tower,” Erik says. “We also added a small concrete service building at the back of the museum.”

Swedish National Museum of Art
The concrete servicebuilding.

Both courtyards now open up to the museum’s interior and the sky. New glass roof domes let in daylight and improve the acoustics. Sound travels up into the ceiling, where small glass pyramids on the walls help distribute it. Stained acoustic plaster absorbs the sound, preventing it from bouncing back.

In 2013, Wingårdhs and Wikerstål Architects won the contract for the National Museum on behalf of the National Property Board of Sweden. Wikerstål Architects became part of Tengbom in 2017. The project has already received several award nominations, including Stenpriset 2018, Betongpriset (extension), and Construction of the Year.

Contact person

Josefin Larsson

Business Dreveloper
+46 72 183 02 34

Related

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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