Responsiveness lies at the heart of Valtech’s business concept; they are driven by a genuine wish to improve their clients’ everyday lives. Now it was time to improve their own. The premises on Kungsholmen in Stockholm are somewhat demanding: old, listed and filled with a host of technical complexities. But Valtech wanted to remain in place; their affection for the former minting factory runs deep.

“They have a strong connection to the premises, and our task is to update them continuously. They have the option on all rooms in the old factory, and we have developed a concept that we are gradually expanding,” explains interior architect Magnus Lindgren.

Three rooms, one vision

The first step was the Talangrummet, a space where younger talents can meet the company, become inspired and want to stay. It offers a playful and relaxed atmosphere. Next came the lab, designed to allow a step away from the digital, encouraging a more hands-on approach using paper, pens, cutting and assembling. The final element in this phase was the combined multifunctional room, which also serves as the reception. Inspiration came from the restaurant around the corner, Mäster Anders.

“It is their favourite restaurant and they wanted the same atmosphere,” says Magnus Lindgren. It was to function as a restaurant and bar for informal meetings. They host around 300 events per year in this space. Previously there was only a conference table, a few chairs, a projector and poor lighting. Now they wanted a more complete meeting place. They should not need to run off to a storage room or hire tables and chairs. The room should be autonomous.

Inspiration from history and surroundings with Valtech

The old factory did not only present challenges but also provided the starting point for several material choices. We retained the industrial character, and the coins inspired many of the metals in the restaurant area: brass tables and copper details. The architects also took inspiration from the large walnut tree growing in the courtyard.

“It is truly beautiful. It is enormous, like a roof over the entire courtyard, so walnut felt like an obvious choice for the details. Earlier we established the core concept for how we wanted to shape the premises, and naturally we drew on the character of the former factory.”

Good collaboration with unexpected skills development as a bonus

What matters most to Magnus Lindgren and the rest of the interiors team is that the client is satisfied and receives premises that are both functional and pleasant. And in this they have succeeded: Valtech wishes to continue the collaboration. They appreciate both the public spaces and the more discreet lab.

A delightful detail is that Valtech were so pleased with the restaurant area that the CEO sent all 200 employees on a barista course so they could make the most of the space.

“Yes, they care deeply about such small details. It is fantastic! For us it is self-evident to work with the client, not against them. We work towards their goals, not to create our own imprint. We look forward to continued collaboration with Valtech. They enjoy working with us and we enjoy working with them.”

Iconic Tengbom heritage

It was Anders Tengbom and his colleagues who once designed the now iconic brick building on Kungsholmen, completed in 1977. The building, originally created for Trygg-Hansa with its own restaurant, sports facilities and extensive art installations, now houses several tenants, and the insurance company has reduced its area to two floors. Forty years after completion, Tengbom was once again commissioned to review Trygg-Hansa’s office and operations, with the clear objective of optimising the office space from 26,000 to 7,200 square metres. This initiated a transformation process in which the majority of all 500 employees would now work in an activity-based environment.

We did not overlook the connection to the lifebuoy

In close dialogue with the client and their own change manager, we established the concept “cast off” early in the process. This became a metaphor both for the journey ahead and for the new interior design concept. Aesthetically, this resulted in a combination of modern and characterful furniture together with rounded 1970s forms, ensuring the reference to the lifebuoy remained evident. Spatially, it resulted in a completely new layout with a large social meeting point called the Coffice, as well as workspaces and meeting rooms in various sizes and formats.

Dialogue above all

A defining aspect of the project was the dialogue between Tengbom and Trygg-Hansa’s steering group. With shared goals, one can go far.

“In this type of project, prioritisation is often necessary. Therefore, one of the architect’s most important tasks is to guide and support individuals and organisations through differing needs, while also explaining the consequences of various choices and compromises in a clear and accessible way. By seeing the whole, we can steer the project towards the best possible solution,” says Tengbom’s project lead architect Torbjörn Höeg.

“Hello there!” It’s the robot greeting visitors as the yellow gate opens and welcomes them into Goto 10 at Slagthuset in Malmö.

Goto 10 Malmö is located directly by the entrance, while the rest of the building is occupied by a co-working company. The office includes conference and meeting rooms, a café, reception and event areas.

Meeting place for internet innovation

In 2017, Internetstiftelsen’s start-up hub Goto 10 opened in Stockholm. Tengbom was commissioned to create a unique meeting place where the interior would be specially adapted using simple and cost-effective materials.

Three years later, with over 11,000 members and 1,000 events, Malmö gained its own Goto 10. A free meeting place for all the city’s internet lovers. Here, people can organise events, meetups, hackathons, work sessions, share knowledge, and hold discussions on everything related to the internet. The space enables more people to grow and connect, and to share their insights about the web and society.

Dynamic layout and explosion of colour

The layout at Goto 10 accommodates a range of different functions – meeting areas, workspaces, a podcast studio, phone booths, tiered seating for lectures, and a separate section for external events. To create an overview of the premises and a dynamic flow in the plan, we decided together with Goto 10 to open up the space.

A truly distinctive identity

The design is based on contrasts in colour saturation and intensity. From a greyscale foundation – seen on the walls and floors – we turned up the volume to the full colour spectrum, expressed in elements such as the unicorn and the rainbow sofa.

Play meets digital expression

The spaces are imbued with playfulness and inspiration from digital expression, developed in close collaboration with Goto 10. Examples of site-specific features include both custom-built furniture and printed carpets, as well as painted columns and tailored suspended ceilings.

Yet despite the playful character and the explosion of colour, Goto 10 is defined by a sense of welcome, creativity and calm. It stands as a physical twin to the organisation’s digital platform. And in today’s digiphysical age, you can take part in seminars and lectures both online and on site.

The vision “Earthly, with a heavenly touch” set the tone. Heavy, grounded materials like stone and wood meet the light and sensuous through colors, play of light, and details. The result is an environment where the everyday and the spiritual coexist in harmony.

“Our ambition was to create an environment that feels equally like a workplace and a place for contemplation and community. The balance between the earthly and the heavenly guided us throughout the project,” explains Kristina Jonasson, lead interior architect and head of interior design at Tengbom Stockholm.

A workplace with variety

The 5,500 square meters accommodate open areas, meeting rooms, small conversation rooms, and social spaces. Each space has its own atmosphere — from darker, embracing rooms for focus to meeting rooms in muted but rich colors. The ceilings share the same hue as the walls, while the light fixtures provide contrast and spatial depth. The open work areas are kept in calm, neutral tones for focus and balance.

Reuse and continuity

The material palette is both practical and poetic, with reuse as a natural foundation. A large portion of the furniture has been given new life, strengthening both sustainability and the sense of continuity. To achieve a harmonious whole among the various reused tables, we developed a special tabletop tray for technical equipment — a simple, unified expression inspired by the form language of the hymn board.

“Working with reuse was a given. It’s not just about environmental sustainability, but also about giving the building a story and a sense of belonging. The furniture carries traces of previous use and takes on new meaning in this context,”

says Kristina.

The heavenly was our guiding star

Encouraging small talk

At the center of the building lies the glazed cloister garden – a threshold between indoors and outdoors. The greenery and daylight create an important heart for the building, perfect for meetings, pauses, and conversation. We also designed the lounges and coffee stations to encourage moments of connection and informal exchange, using warm materials and attention to detail.

The Church of Sweden’s values, embodied

Church House is now a modern workplace, yet one where the Church of Sweden’s core values are made tangible. It’s a building that mirrors both the foundation of the organization and its forward-looking spirit. Presence. Openness. Hope.

Founded in 2019 by Sorosh Tavakoli and Anja Leissner, Stockeld Dreamery has quickly grown into a key player in sustainable food production. With headquarters in Stockholm and most operations now based in New York, the company develops plant-based cheeses as alternatives to traditional dairy.

“By focusing on innovative food science and sustainability, Stockeld Dreamery aims to offer products that help reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional cheese production, while, of course, still tasting great,” explains Katya Högberg, Lead Interior Architect at Tengbom. “All of this was something we wanted to bring forward in their interior design.”

Seamless transition between lab and social spaces

In the lab, Stockeld Dreamery develops its plant-based cheeses. Our task was to create a smooth transition between the lab and the more social areas of the premises. By reusing glass partitions and countertops, lacquered in the company’s signature color, we managed to create a cohesive whole.

Moreover, the deliberate use of Stockeld Dreamery’s signature orange – in varying shades – reinforces the visual identity and contributes to a unified expression.

The lab features a large amount of repurposed materials. Both glass sections and equipment have been adapted to fit within the overall interior concept. Our design approach was based on balancing functionality, sustainability, and aesthetics.

 “The white tiles with orange grout add a fresh and contemporary feel while anchoring the interior in the company’s strong brand identity.”

Katya Högberg

The kitchen – a campfire

At the heart of the office, the kitchen serves as a natural gathering place for the entire company. Inspired by the campfire as a unifying force, it becomes a flexible hub for events, tastings, and everyday interactions. Here, people come together to bake pizzas, cook meals, and enjoy a warm, restaurant-like atmosphere. Rather than feeling like a traditional office, it offers something else entirely – a space shaped for creativity, collaboration, and community.

Chatter and calm zones

The office is divided into an active and a calm zone, adapted to employees’ different needs. The active zone features lounge areas that encourage conversation and collaboration, while the calm zone provides a secluded environment for focused work. For those seeking a more relaxed setting, it is also possible to work from the kitchenette. This division creates a flexible workspace that can be adapted to different modes and moments of work.

Identity sets the tone

Throughout the project, we collaborated closely with Akademiska Hus. Thanks to flexibility and a shared commitment to solving challenges, we succeeded in creating a space that reflects Stockeld Dreamery’s identity and vision. Craftsmen, project managers and everyone involved embraced the concept and worked together toward the same goal.

“It’s been fantastic to work with such a strong brand,” says Katya Högberg. “We’ve been able to create an interior that is not only functional and aesthetically appealing. It´s also sustainable and adaptable enough to evolve over time.”

Stockholm 2017. Malmö 2020. And now Linköping — more precisely, Linköping Science Park, a growing hub for academia, tech companies, and innovation. At Goto 10, 16,000 members can work for free, host meetups, arrange events, 3D-print, record podcasts, and network. A natural home for an internet enthusiast.

700 square meters of tennis hall

We’re in a former tennis hall. The largest of the three Goto 10 spaces so far, with a truly unique character. The technical aesthetic of the space, with timber beams, exposed piping, and installations, became strong carriers of identity when we designed the space and developed the interior concept.

Together with Internetstiftelsen, our goal was to build a strong concept where innovation, digital presence, professionalism, and personality together put Goto 10 Linköping on the map — an inspiring and inclusive meeting place with smart functions that reflect Internetstiftelsen’s values and passion for the internet.

Interior (tech) meets nature at Goto 10 Linköping

The premises, with several levels and existing room structures, required a clear strategy for flow and zoning. As a contrast to the technical elements, and to enhance well-being, the zones were enriched with natural materials and greenery.

The entrance, designed for meetings and activity, offers openness and volume. In the “Digital Glades,” you’re surrounded by pixelated moss that dampens sound and encourages focused collaboration. Neon details and color gradients in the work lounge add playfulness, teamwork, and energy. Meanwhile, calm and focus prevail “Under the Cloud.”

The tiered seating area is designed for both casual hangouts and large events. The strong, distinct color palette, consistent across all Goto 10 offices, reinforces both the brand identity and the technological character of the space.

“Think sustainably in every step!”

The directive from Internetstiftelsen was clear, which led us to work extensively with reused furniture. In close collaboration with the reuse supplier Rekomo, who conducted a detective-like search to find pieces that matched the concept based on detailed product descriptions, we sourced furnishings that met our design goals. We also reused furniture from Internetstiftelsen’s other offices.

“At Tengbom, we actively work with climate-smart adaptations of interiors, and this project was particularly exciting. The sustainability focus gave us great freedom of interpretation. A challenge, but also an opportunity for development and experimentation,” says interior architect Johanna Garheden.

Working with reused furnishings requires quick decisions. Those chairs might not be available two weeks later.

The design boundaries must be clear, as you can’t control exactly which products you’ll end up with. We created detailed specifications describing function, desired look, materials, and dimensions, which were cross-checked with the supplier. The result is a cohesive whole that maintains both identity and expression. Wherever possible, we preserved, adapted, and reused existing elements of the space.

Successful collaboration through agile methods at Goto 10 Linköping

Many projects, especially reuse-based ones, require close and iterative collaboration. For Goto 10 in Linköping, we worked in close dialogue with Internetstiftelsen and Ciceron, allowing for fast, joint decisions throughout the process.

The Tengbom team produced cost estimates, layouts, the interior concept and proposals, and final construction documents.

Partners and suppliers

Internetstiftelsen (client), Ciceron projekt (project management), Idé design (carpentry), Go gently (scenography, installations, and robot), Rekomo (supplier of reused furniture), Senab (supplier of complementary new furniture), Castellum (property owner), Kron & Karlsson (construction).

Fresh winds swept through the heavy façades along Kungsträdgårdsgatan when the game developer Embark Studios moved into its new premises. In the interior design, we combined a refined lounge atmosphere with the inventive creativity of the gaming world. A vision that took shape through a unique virtual design process in close collaboration with the client.

The grand former bank buildings on Kungsträdgårdsgatan are magnificent, but not particularly welcoming. They somehow represent the traditional hierarchy between employer and employee, between large corporation and client. That the old bank halls behind door number 16 now house the headquarters of a game developer can be seen as a sign of the times. The rapidly growing gaming industry is among today’s new power players, with Embark as a prime example of a technically innovative organisation. An organisation that invites its users in, blurring the line between developer and player.

Interactivity on all levels at Embark Studios

The new premises were designed in that same spirit. The multifunctional and elegant lobby on the entrance floor is the result of a close and creative collaboration between Tengbom and the gaming company.

“Embark was very involved in the process. They built up the environment in the 3D program Blender, the same software they use to create their games. We could then sit together with them and explore the different environments, especially the entrance lounge. It gave rise to some pretty wild ideas that still landed well in reality,” says Stefan Rydin, business development architect at Tengbom.

“Together, we built up virtual environments that we could walk around in.”

— Stefan Rydin

The interactive concept succeeds in uniting imaginative ideas with the existing bank halls and cross vaults of the building. Embark’s own history is also reflected in the fact that nearly all furniture from the previous office has been reused. And this, entirely in line with the vision of an interior that balances the unexpected with an iconic, international atmosphere. Combinations that might at first seem incongruous have ultimately found their place in a sustainably cohesive lobby composed of velvet-soft seating areas, a bar counter, and a hall of fame celebrating the gaming world.

Super-curated window to the street

“We worked a lot with a coherent colour palette. When you think of brown and blue together, it might not sound like an obvious match at first. But by working with the subtle undertones – seeing the blue’s saturation and the brown’s hints of rust – we created a beautiful palette,” explains Stefan Rydin.

He compares the architect’s role to that of an art curator or a DJ – combining contrasts into a coherent whole. In this case, the goal was to reflect Embark’s identity. The lounge on the entrance floor features large screens that display the company’s work in progress. It’s a hub of inspiration for both employees and visitors. Colours from the screens echo in the ceiling, creating a shifting backdrop that reaches out toward the street. Together with the carefully designed lighting, the space stays vibrant long after closing time.