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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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The café in the Gothenburg City Library

A team player from A to Z
Interior Design
Culture, Kitchens
Client: Higab
Location: Gothenburg
Project years: 2011–2012. Entire project completed in 2014.
Project type: Commercial kitchen, renovation and extension
Collaborators: Erséus Arkitekter

They work behind the scenes so that the client can offer only the best to their visitors – our kitchen architects make possible a moment of relaxation among literature and magazines at the Gothenburg City Library.

One of Gothenburg’s most iconic buildings, the City Library, was in need of a comprehensive transformation, both inside and out. We were given the opportunity to help create a well-functioning café where people can meet, talk, enjoy a cup of coffee – and read.

Higab had a clear vision: the new café at Gothenburg City Library wouldn’t just serve food — it would become a social hub. They wanted a kitchen that could handle both hot and cold dishes and a smaller coffee bar near the newspaper area on the entrance floor. That way, visitors could drop in, grab a coffee, sit down, and read. The result is a well-functioning and welcoming library for the contemporary visitor. Someone who knows that a library visit can be about much more than just books.

“It was an exciting project, and it was very interesting to work with such a well-known and well-loved building. It’s one of Gothenburg’s most recognisable landmarks and plays a big role in many people’s daily lives,” says Claire Rankin, Studio Director of  Tengbom’s Restaurant and Commercial Kitchen Studio.

Good process yields strong results at Gothenburg City Library

A project of this scale naturally attracted attention and received extensive media coverage. Since its reopening in April 2014, the library has remained highly popular and draws many visitors.

The Commercial Kitchen Studio became involved early in the process, thanks to Tengbom’s long-standing collaboration with the city. A strong partnership with Erséus Arkitekter — the firm behind the refurbishment and extension — made the difference. Together, we ensured a result that combines aesthetic quality with well-functioning processes and flows

“Our task is to ensure that guests at the café enjoy a pleasant experience while also creating a good working environment for the staff. We start by reviewing all technical conditions, flows, and spatial dimensions so that we can accommodate the client’s intentions. Then we plan for seamless functionality of electrical and other systems. Moreover, we must, of course, ensure that food handling is done correctly, both on its way to and from the guests,” says Claire Rankin.

“All projects are different, but we are prepared for everything. In this particular project, for example, we had to pay special attention to goods deliveries. They needed to flow smoothly and without disturbance, even though the café is located on the third floor, right in the middle of the building”.

Claire Rankin

A true team player

The café rests on the broad expertise of the Commercial Kitchen Studio. That foundation continues to support and shape its development. Every detail — from workflow design to material choices — has been carefully planned to create a workspace that supports staff in their daily routines. With a secure and well-structured environment, they can focus on what matters most: delivering an exceptional experience for visitors.

For the Gothenburg City Library, we developed a tailor-made solution to meet their unique needs. But the project goes further than that. By drawing on the experience and versatility of the Commercial Kitchen Studio, the library now benefits from intelligent solutions that simplify everyday work for staff. At the same time, these solutions help create an environment that feels functional, contemporary and welcoming to everyone. The result is a cohesive whole, where each element works together to elevate both the workplace and the visitor experience.

Contact person

Claire Rankin

+46317755209

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Fyris Cinema

For film lovers and culture enthusiasts
Interior Design
Building Preservation & Restoration, Culture
Client: Uppsala Akademiförvaltning
Location: Uppsala
Year: 2021
Photographer: Tim Meier

Do you remember when you didn’t want to miss the commercials at the cinema? Neither do we – until we stepped into Fyrisbiografen in Uppsala. This cultural treasure, one of Sweden’s oldest and most charming cinemas, was in need of an update. By cleverly reimagining the limited space, we recreated a cinematic environment now ready to once again become a palace of entertainment for the people of Uppsala.

Photo: Ojan, Wikimedia

Fyrisbion is one of Sweden’s oldest cinemas. With roots dating back to 1911, this classic cinema, located in the historic Skandalhuset building, has been an important part of Uppsala’s cultural life for over a century – a timeless symbol for film and culture enthusiasts alike.

Creative play with space

Despite its modest size, we managed to transform Fyrisbion into an inviting and functional meeting place – especially in the small foyer. By installing mirrors in the ceiling angle, visitors are given an illusion of space and light, creating the sense of a larger, more open room. Materials such as oak, stone, and brass were carefully selected to combine durability with timeless aesthetics. The classic paneling is a nostalgic nod to the era when cinemas were true palaces of entertainment.

Accessible film enjoyment

A central part of the renovation was making the cinema more accessible to all visitors. New restrooms and connections to the lift now allow wheelchair users to easily enjoy everything Fyrisbion has to offer. The working environment for staff has also improved through the addition of a new office and kitchenette.

The classic paneling is a nostalgic nod to the era when cinemas were true palaces of entertainment.

From Plengiér’s vision to a modern cultural hub

In 1911, cinema pioneer Hugo Plengiér founded Fyrisbion – a central figure in Uppsala’s early cultural scene. In the 1930s, David Annell took over, shaping the cinema’s profile by screening European films of high artistic quality – a repertoire that stood apart from the larger cinemas. Today, Fyrisbion is run by the non-profit association Föreningen Fyrisbiografen, a member of Folkets Bio. Thanks to dedicated members and volunteers, this venerable cinema continues to offer the people of Uppsala a place for film and cultural experiences.

The renovation of Fyrisbion was about more than preserving the past. We also wanted to create a modern and accessible environment for the film lovers of the future. With respect for history and an eye on what’s to come, Fyrisbion can now continue to shine – as a center for film art and culture in the heart of Uppsala.

Contact person

Josefin Larsson

+46 72 183 02 34

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Högalidskyrkan by Ivar Tengbom

A tribute to timeless architecture
Architecture, Interior Design
Culture
Client: Church of Sweden
Location: Hornstull, Stockholm
Construction years: 1917–1923

A Stockholm icon. A piece of art and cultural heritage. One of Sweden’s most significant buildings from the National Romantic era. An architectural masterpiece designed by Tengbom’s founder, Ivar Tengbom. Since 1923, Högalidskyrkan has stood peacefully on Högalidsberget, surrounded by lush parkland, overlooking the city.

In the late 19th century, Stockholm’s western Södermalm experienced a population surge, creating a need for a new church. In 1905, Maria Magdalena Parish designated Högalidsberget for a chapel, and in 1913, Ivar Tengbom was chosen to design it. On June 10, 1923, Högalidskyrkan was inaugurated, two weeks before Ragnar Östberg’s City Hall opened across Riddarfjärden – a competition Tengbom notably placed second in.

Photo: Sten-Åke Stenberg

An urban sanctuary of serenity

Photo: Catharina Fredrikson, Church of Sweden

When Ivar presented his proposal, many raised their eyebrows. The design broke the norms of traditional Swedish church aesthetics of the time and faced some criticism for its modernist architecture – particularly due to the two slender towers, whose verticality would dramatically contrast with the nave and reach toward the sky to claim an influential place in Stockholm’s skyline. After a few revisions, however, the proposal was approved, and Södermalm would gain its spiritual gathering point. In 1917, the first stone was laid.

Breaking with tradition

Högalidskyrkan became, for many, a symbol of the modern era. Unlike the ornate church buildings of the time, Ivar used clean lines, geometric forms, and simple materials that gave the church a sense of simplicity and elegance. Instead of stone or wood, concrete and brick were used, imparting a modern and natural character to the building – a radical shift in material choices. The tall windows, allowing abundant light to flood the interior and reflect within, enhanced the spiritual atmosphere. Meanwhile, the functional layout, with the pulpit centrally placed, both facilitated communication and strengthened the sense of community among the church’s members.

Photo: Catharina Fredrikson, Svenska kyrkan

A national romantic basilica

Högalidskyrkan
Photo: Catharina Fredrikson, Svenska kyrkan

Ivar’s proposal was based on the form of a long nave church, a so-called basilica, designed with a central nave and side aisles. Dark red, hand-molded brick from Mälardalen’s brickworks clad the long nave structure, featuring a narrower, straight-ended chancel, flanked by octagonal twin towers. Together with the projecting gables and the pointed vaults of the roof, the church claimed a prominent place in the cityscape, perched on Högalidsberget’s highest plateau. The main portal, made of dark, carved granite, creates a striking contrast with the red brick. The exterior exudes a sense of monumentality through its authentic material craftsmanship.

The central nave is clearly divided from the side aisles by tall columns, which create rhythm and symmetry within the church interior. The form emphasizes the prominence of both the pulpit and the chancel in the church space. From the narthex, the first room visitors enter, the chancel and the large symbolic triumphal crucifix immediately draw the eye.

Towers shaping the cityscape

The church’s twin towers rise 84 meters, with their spires reaching 105 meters above Lake Mälaren’s waterline – matching the height of the gilded crowns atop City Hall’s tower.

As Tengbom himself said:

 “With two towers, you avoid all comparisons.”

The towers have distinct purposes: the somber northern tower, crowned with a rooster, represents God’s law and houses a baptismal chapel on its ground floor. The southern tower, with its golden cross, symbolizes the gospel and spreads its message through the sound of its bells.

Photo: Catharina Fredrikson, Svenska kyrkan

A total work of art in cathedral form

Through the narthex, visitors enter the single-aisle vaulted church space, embraced by a sophisticated gray-toned plastered wall surface. Together with the breathtaking height up to the ceiling, the openness, spaciousness, and cathedral-like atmosphere become palpable. Tall buttresses on either side form arched niches, whose high windows help to soften the light entering from outside, showcasing a masterfully executed play of light. At the same time, the many artistic and crafted details create a sense of intimacy and closeness to the spiritual.

“The church’s interior must be regarded as a Gesamtkunstwerk directed by Tengbom and executed by several of the era’s most prominent artists and craftsmen.”

The interior, fixed furnishings, and artistic decorations represent various artistic styles and time periods. Here, one finds inspiration from both medieval and baroque forms. Ivar designed most of the fixed objects, such as the organ gallery, pulpit, iron gates to the baptismal chapel, and the lighting fixtures. However, he also collaborated with the most prominent artists and craftsmen of the time, including Gunnar Torhamn, Isaac Grünewald, Olle Hjortzberg, Erik Jerken, and Einar Forseth. To ensure the creative collaboration worked smoothly and seamlessly, a building workshop was established around the church, where the team worked side by side.

Photo: Sten-Åke Stenberg

Timeless cultural and historical value

Inaugurated by Archbishop Nathan Söderblom on June 10, 1923, Högalidskyrkan remains a vital cultural and spiritual landmark. From March 2021 to June 2023, Högalidskyrkan underwent a comprehensive renovation. The general contractor, In3prenör, and project managers KFS, along with the client Högalid Parish, ensured the building’s future while preserving its heritage. On June 10, 2023, the eagerly awaited reopening celebrated the church’s 100th anniversary.

Contact person

Mia Lindberg

+46 8 410 354 93

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Borås Congress

A transformed meeting house
Architecture, Interior Design
Building Preservation & Restoration, Culture
Client: City of Borås
Location: Borås
Assignment years: 2012-2019
Awards och recognitions: Nominated for the Borås City Urban Design Award 2022
Photographer: Åke E:son Lindman

It began with a simple sketch amidst fierce international competition, and the rest is history, and the future. Originally built in 1939 as Folkets Hus in Borås, the building was refined by Tengbom and reopened in 2018 as Borås Congress – a modern conference facility that preserves the values of its past.

Following a challenging prequalification process involving 60 architectural firms from around the world, Tengbom advanced to an invited design competition. The battle for Borås Congress had begun in earnest, and it was time to flex some muscles – or was it? Amidst advanced visualizations and meticulously packaged concepts, a simple hand sketch by Bo Karlberg stood out. In 2012, it became clear that the assignment was ours.

We were entrusted with the project because we understood both the architecture and the business.

“The proposal focused on developing a state-of-the-art conference facility for the entire region, restoring Gunnar Nilsson’s modernist entrance motif, and maintaining the building’s role as a community gathering place in Borås,” Bo explains.

Borås CongressBorås Congress

Accessible and flexible for all types of meetings

While the starting point for the project was preservation, the goal was to create a modern meeting place. Today, Borås Congress is one of the few Swedish buildings specifically designed for meetings, as opposed to many concert halls and arenas across the country.

The congress center offers spaces for meetings both large and small. Corporate conferences, concerts, or a coffee with friends—there’s something here for everyone.
The congress center offers spaces for meetings both large and small. Corporate conferences, concerts, or a coffee with friends—there’s something here for everyone.
The congress center offers spaces for meetings both large and small. Corporate conferences, concerts, or a coffee with friends—there’s something here for everyone.
The congress center offers spaces for meetings both large and small. Corporate conferences, concerts, or a coffee with friends—there’s something here for everyone.

The facility offers everything from intimate rooms for small gatherings to larger conference spaces for up to 1,000 guests. The building’s character is present throughout, as are its newfound flexibility and accessibility. The number of levels in the block was reduced from 36 to just 7 (!), and the floors were designed to allow for multiple events of different kinds to occur simultaneously.

Borås CongressBorås Congress

Borås Congress – a bridge between past and present

The new congress building spans an entire block across four volumes. Along Österlånggatan, Gunnar Nilsson’s bold entrance motif – carefully restored from layers of 1980s cladding – once again aligns with the iconic functionalist buildings of Borås.

Along Allégatan, the architecture adopts a more subdued and scaled-down character. In contrast, the new performance and hall volume, with its main entrance facing Robert Nilsson’s Place, makes a bold impression. Its shimmering facade of gold-anodized expanded metal stands out against a deep blue backdrop.

At the transition between old and new lies the glass wedge housing the congress foyer. Here, stucco lustro, an ancient Italian marbleizing technique, meets ultramodern pre-printed glass railings. The result is a meeting place that is both exciting and symbolic.

“It’s a powerful feeling to see visitors gathering and connecting here today,” Bo concludes. “That has always been the goal of the project for nearly a decade: the meeting of people.”

Contact person

Jerker Kryander

Practice Director
+46 73 524 90 28

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Capitol movie theater

Movie magic in a 1920s setting
Interior Design
Culture, Restaurants
Client: Kinematografen St Erik AB
Location: Stockholm
Assignment year: 2018
Assignment: Reconstruction
Gross area: 900 m²

In the summer of 2018, the doors reopened to the Capitol movie theater, Stockholm’s most luxurious cinema experience. Tengbom developed the interior design concept in the same celebratory spirit.

Capitol movie theater Capitol movie theater
You can watch both new movies and old classics here.

From 1926 to 1985, Capitol was Vasastan’s largest (initially) and most beautiful movie theater. Now, as the movie theater opens its doors once again following a comprehensive renovation, that history is being re-created with a new concept.

With Art Deco as a base, Tengbom was tasked by E/S-A as architects to come up with an interior design concept. It had to deliver a more grown-up movie-going experience, for theater-goers who dine and drink in the auditoriums while enjoying the culture of new and classic films. The interior decor is framed with bold details, striking colours and custom-designed patterns.

Take the magic with you

The roaring 20s are easy to recognize in the preserved original details, such as arches, columns, railings and stucco, and at the same time, the overall look is brand new. Consistent with settings from this era, new and old elements are present in both the materials and the design.

The idea is to re-create the magic of the movie theater and the feeling that going to the movies is an event – but in the era of conscientiousness

Capitol movie theater

Particular care has been paid to the bar at the entrance, because it is the vibrant hub of the theater. Here, the goal was to work mainly with various exclusive natural materials. This creates an environment that will stand the test of time and age beautifully with the movie-goers. Standout materials include solid wood, stone and brass.

Sandra Wall designed two different rug patterns for the auditoriums.

Hand-drawn patterns and a burst of colour at the Capitol theater

Inside the auditoriums, Tengbom’s interior design architect Sandra Wall designed two different rug patterns to give the otherwise dark theater a strong identity. One auditorium features a rug framed by a prism pattern, reminiscent of projector lights. The other showcases a majestic blue floral pattern that echoes the design of the arch in the auditorium.

“The rugs are showstoppers in the auditoriums”

The colours also have a distinctively Capitol quality. The auditorium walls feature turquoise and Bordeaux tones. Green and blue velvet fabrics enhance the space. Together, they bring out a surprising and more striking palette from the 1920s.

“With a modern twist on the palette, we’re stepping away from classic movie theater red. Instead, we’re bringing history into the present. Since opening, many pictures of the theater have been shared on social media. The carefully chosen colours have truly strengthened the theater’s identity. It should be clear that this is Capitol and only Capitol, not any other theater,” says Filip Svensson, who developed the interior design concept with Sandra Wall and Kjerstin Björck at Tengbom.

Contact person

Kristina Jonasson

Studio Manager Interior Design
+46 708 23 14 33

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Thiel Gallery

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

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

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

Thiel Gallery
Thiel Gallery
Thiel Gallery

Complex projects requiring a highly sensitive approach

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

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

Effective collaboration and close contact

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

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

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

Contact person

Mark Humphreys

Practice Director Stockholm
+46 8 412 53 43

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Malmö Live

The new cultural hub of the city
Architecture, Interior Design
Culture, Hotels & Meetings, Restaurants
Client: Skanska
Location: Malmö
Years of commission: 2011-2015
Design Architect: Schmidt Hammer Lassen
Contractor: Skanska
Competences: Project planning & management, Interior Design, Hotel & Restaurant, Kultur & Idrott, BIM & 3D illustration

Here at Tengbom, we have played a decisive role in Malmö’s new social and cultural meeting place – Malmö Live. As construction architects, we have been instrumental in completing the vision, taking the interests and desires of many stakeholders into account within the context of the approved design programme.

The concert, congress and hotel facility Malmö Live was completed in 2015 and is one of Malmö’s largest municipality transformation projects. The neighbourhood is located in the area near the Neptuni park, which has become known as a type of bridge between the new and the old parts of the city, which also houses dwellings and offices. The whole thing started when Schmidt Hammer Lassen (SHL) architects and Skanska won a land use competition. Tengbom was given the honourable task of planning the project and help completing the vision. During the entire process, we had a close and fruitful collaboration with Skanska and SHL as design architects in charge.

“We are both happy and proud to have been amongst the creators of Malmö’s new social and cultural meeting place.”

Magnus Nilsson, architect

Greater contexts

We are gladly involved in municipality development projects of this type and work on the larger scale of things. Malmö Live, for example, has meant a lot for the business sector of the municipality, both through the creation of new jobs but it has also had larger consequences in that the building is attracting both international and local events to the city.

“We are both happy and proud of having contributed to Malmö’s new social and cultural meeting place. Our part of the project has meant that the municipality now has a suitable space and a platform to develop different types of art with everything from dance to music and theatre,” says Magnus Nilsson, architect in charge.

Malmö Live
Photo: Joakim Lloyd Radoff

Cooperation yields results

The entire project is an example of a great partnership – not only between SHL, Skanska and ourselves but also within Tengbom, where experts were borrowed from Gothenburg and Helsingborg, in addition to the office in Malmö. When it comes to experience and expertise of public spaces and concert activities, we have been very lucky to dip into the Gothenburg office’s experience of the opera house in Gothenburg. The same office was also in charge of signs in the building. The Helsingborg office contributed their expertise and knowledge of detailed planning of the façade.

“In Malmö we have taken on the role of coordinating architect for technology, technical requirements, construction, ventilation, plumbing and electricity. Then there is another layer of acoustics and lighting, as well as the contractor’s implementation requirements. We also have to deal with regulatory requirements and other things such as accessibility and sustainability,” says Magnus Nilsson.

The entire project is a recipe for good collaboration.

A good partnership is the result of the will and drive of many experts to reach a common goal. The expertise to coordinate this and complete it comes from us and this is the greatest challenge.

Kitchen & Table Photo: Joakim Lloyd Radoff
Kitchen & Table Photo: Joakim Lloyd Radoff

The goal

The goal was to find sustainable solutions through design. An intensive analysis process guided material choices, balancing multiple complex factors. Close collaboration with clients and design architects ensured the best results. In this project, we advocated for durable and sustainable materials like solid wood, prefabricated concrete, and metal. The final design featured sound-insulated concrete walls in the concert and congress halls. Green roofs managed stormwater, while solar panels generated renewable energy for the building’s operations.

Eatery Social Taquería Photo: Joakim Lloyd Radoff
Eatery Social Taquería Photo: Joakim Lloyd Radoff

From ground level to sky bar

In addition to getting the opportunity to design details in all the important rooms in the building, we have also on request by Nordic Choice developed a concept and construction documents for the restaurants Eatery Social Taqueria on the ground floor and Kitchen & Table in the sky bar of the hotel.

Awards and Recognitions

Malmö Live got nominated in the Mixed Use – Completed Buildings category, WAF in 2016.

Contact person

Josefin Klein

Practice Director Skåne
+46 40 641 31 18

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Waldemarsudde

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

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

The legacy of Prince Eugen

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

Waldemarsudde Tengbom 2015
Photo: Nina Broberg

Responsibility for maintenance and development

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

Adaptation and visions for the future

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

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

A complex project with specific challenges

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

Close collaboration is essential

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

Contact person

Josefin Larsson

Business Developer
+46 72 183 02 34

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