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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.

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

Goto 10 in Malmö

A heart of tech
Interior Design
Offices
Client: Internetstiftelsen
Location: Malmö
Year: 2020

Malmö is ranked as one of the 29 best cities in Europe when it comes to supporting start-up tech companies. And naturally, a hub for all internet enthusiasts had to find its place here. We designed the interiors for Goto 10 in Malmö with colour, a unicorn and (surprise!) inspiration drawn from digital expression.

“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.

Goto 10 Malmö

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.

Goto 10 i Malmö

Contact person

Kristina Jonasson

+46 708 23 14 33

Church House in Uppsala

Heaven on earth
Interior Design
Offices
Client: Church of Sweden
GFA: 5,500 sqm, 390 workstations
Completed: 2025
Tengbom’s role: Construction documents and interior design concept
Photographer: Felix Gerlach

When the Church of Sweden’s national functions were gathered in Uppsala, the premises needed to reflect both the organization’s identity and the people working there. In developing the construction documents, interior design concept, and signage program, we drew inspiration from the church’s core values – presence, openness, and hope.

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.

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.

Contact person

Kristina Jonasson

+46 708 23 14 33

Villa Foresta

A playful fairytale
Interior Design
Hotels & Meetings
Client: Stockholm Meeting Selection
Location: Lidingö, Stockholm
Year: 2023–2024
Scope: Interior design. Entrance, reception, bars, and restaurant.
Photographer: Yannick Lagher

The serene time capsule Villa Foresta on Lidingö has undergone a Cinderella transformation. Our interior architects took this historic building under their wings and turned a rather neglected character into a setting brimming with warmth, personality, and unexpected contrasts. A place where every room tells its own story.

Perched high on a hill across the water, the castle-like Villa Foresta is hard to miss when crossing the Lidingö Bridge. Built in 1910 as a private residence in the National Romantic style, it was commissioned by Wilhelmina Skogh – one of Sweden’s most influential figures in hospitality and tourism at the time. In the decades that followed, the building became known as a hotel and conference venue. More recently, Villa Foresta re-emerged with a fresh identity. A vibrant and characterful design concept now ties together its rich history with a contemporary spirit.

Bold barception and intimate mezzanine

One of the first changes was to highlight a beautiful but previously hidden original staircase. At the same time, we transformed an anonymous meeting room into an intimate mezzanine — a new gathering spot for guests. Next, we designed a strikingly unapologetic “Barception,” a combined bar and hotel reception. The inspiration came from the castle’s four corner towers, whose rough-hewn proportions are echoed in the design.

“We wanted to create contrasts while maintaining a cohesive atmosphere,” says Katya Högberg, project lead interior architect at Tengbom. “By mixing various materials and textures, we aimed to strike a balance between elegance and comfort.”

In the lower bar, guests are greeted by a hand-crafted stucco lustro wall with gold accents, adding to the space’s elegance and sophistication. The wall stands in sharp contrast to soft velvet fabrics in shades of green, ochre, and lion yellow that dress the room. The combination of textures and colors is both timeless and inviting.

The interplay of raw brass, glossy glass, coarse ceramics, and delicately pleated feminine lampshades adds variation and a mood-rich atmosphere.

Ornate details and a sense of play

Our team also designed new wrought iron railings and gave the two bars many unique elements, such as playful glass overhangs, carved profiles, glass fronts, and intricate solid wood decorations. Every detail was carefully chosen to harmonize with the whole and enhance the character of each room.

“Another strength in our design is the dramatic contrast between rooms and elements. The grand antique fireplace serves as a striking central feature, while the cozy board game corners create an intimate, green oasis for social interaction,” says Nadia.

Reused materials blended with personal style

How often do you, as an interior architect, get to incorporate an antique fountain into a project? Well, we did at Villa Foresta. The new interior is a mix of carefully selected vintage pieces that create an eclectic and personal style. The carpets are inspired by nature, with materials that evoke moss, autumn leaves, and marshland. They also provide sound-absorbing foundations and frame the seating groups and comfortable armchair pairs. Lighting fixtures were hand-picked to offer warm, subdued, and indirect illumination. Each fixture serves a purpose but also holds aesthetic value.

“The combination of raw brass, glossy glass, coarse ceramics, and delicately pleated feminine shades contributes to variation and a moody ambiance,” says Katya.

With Wilhelmina’s courage behind us

With Villa Foresta, our architects have managed to balance drama and warmth throughout the interior. Transforming the building’s more modern parts into a welcoming and playful environment demanded a great deal of creativity. But also smart and sustainable solutions.

“Thanks to close collaboration with Stockholm Meeting Selection, we managed to shape a place and an interior that is both visually appealing and functional for a broad audience and a variety of events,” says Nadia. “The tight schedule meant we had to continuously test and adjust our ideas on-site.”

Villa Foresta was transformed into a place where history met the future. It once again became a vibrant hub for culture and conversation on Lidingö.

Contact person

Kristina Jonasson

+46 708 23 14 33

Stockeld Dreamery

From lab to campfire
Interior Design
Offices
Client: Stockeld Dreamery
Location: Stockholm
Year: 2023
Photographer: Felix Gerlach

We partnered with Stockeld Dreamery, a bold start-up in vegan dairy, to shape an interior that tells their story. The design celebrates their Stockholm roots, their daily work, and the team’s shared drive for innovation and smarter, more sustainable choices.

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 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.”

Contact person

Kristina Jonasson

+46 708 23 14 33

Ole.Fit Munkka gym, Helsinki

Strength in collaboration
Interior Design
Sports
Client: Ole.Fit
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Year of commission: 2023
Gross floor area: 1,544 sqm
Photographer: Tengbom

The idea that workplaces should provide opportunities for exercise is quickly becoming a given — both in Sweden and Finland. Tengbom in Helsinki has developed a strong expertise in designing gyms, and Ole.Fit Munkka is no exception. Thanks to a solution-oriented process carried out in close collaboration with the client, we didn’t have to compromise on the result.

Ole.Fit Munkka is a fully equipped gym located within a six-story office complex. Formerly the headquarters of IBM, the building is now a business center under the Bloomsville umbrella. To make room for the gym, an auditorium and several office spaces were repurposed.

“More and more companies are recognizing employee well-being, and providing opportunities for physical activity, as a key factor for property developers,” says Niina Isojärvi, architect at Tengbom in Helsinki. “For us as architects, designing a gym requires both precision and adaptability.”

Acoustic and material solutions for good neighborly relations

Designing a gym in an office building demands thorough planning. It’s not just about meeting the client’s expectations, but also about managing how the gym affects surrounding tenants and operations. Gyms tend to generate noise: a dropped dumbbell, a treadmill pounding under fast intervals, a lively group training session that erupts in cheers. Noise levels and acoustics are thus among the biggest challenges when integrating a gym into a multi-tenant building. Flooring and material properties must also be considered — along with, not least, ventilation.

“In a renovation project like Ole.Fit Munkka, this equation is not always straightforward,” says Niina. “Another factor to consider is ceiling height, which is also crucial in gym design. There’s a lot of puzzle-solving involved.”

Ventilation and technical systems

One major challenge was integrating the ventilation and technical systems into the ceiling structure without lowering it too much. In the yoga room, we conducted detailed planning for acoustics and ventilation, carefully coordinating HVAC systems and insulation materials to fit within the ceiling.

“We considered leaving the ceiling exposed, which would have looked very refined and elegant,” Niina shares. “But due to the room’s acoustics, we ultimately decided to conceal the equipment above the ceiling.”

The floor soundproofing, however, posed no issues. Beneath the gym are not offices, but rather bike storage and staff locker rooms.

It must be allowed to make noise when exercising

Renovation for improved accessibility

In addition to the gym, the building, originally constructed in 1979 and 1985, is undergoing a full renovation, including a facade update. The completed Ole.Fit Munkka gym spans a total area of 1,544 square meters. It features an open free weights area, a cardio section with treadmills, a large group training studio, a smaller studio for functional training, and a yoga room. There are also private treatment rooms for physiotherapy and massage. Complementing these are showers, saunas, changing rooms, and both work and social spaces for gym staff.

Beyond the planned interior adaptations, the gym also received a new entrance. Previously, entry was from inside the building. During the renovation, we expanded a rear staircase that had served as a back door, transforming it into the main entrance and adding a new entryway from the outside. This also made the entrance accessible.

The interiors evoke a sense of luxury. The brown color palette on walls and ceilings pairs harmoniously with wooden wall and ceiling panels. The lighting design ensures the spaces feel ambient, not dark.

Gym projects require coordination

In close dialogue with the contractors, the gym chain Ole.Fit, and their interior design firm Sisustusarkkitehdit Kalliomaa Oy, we conducted a thorough assessment of the spatial character, functionality, lighting, and materials.

“There was a lot of coordination involved. We held many meetings to align Ole.Fit’s wishes with the timelines and needs of other parties,” says Niina.

The goal was to find solutions that would satisfy everyone — without compromising the final outcome. Despite a tight schedule, Ole.Fit Munkka opened in autumn 2023 and is now operational. Another gym project by Tengbom’s Helsinki office is Elixia Circus, which opened in November 2021. Elixia Circus is located in the former concert and nightclub venue The Circus on Arkadiagatan in Helsinki. For locals, the building is known as the Innotalo, designed by Einari Teräsvirta.

Contact person

Milla Lindroos

+358449769164

Goto 10 in Linköping

85% reused interior
Interior Design
Offices
Client: Internetstiftelsen
Location: Linköping
Year: 2022
Area: 700 sqm
Photographer: Kristina Alexandersson

Here’s one for the internet lovers: Internetstiftelsen has now opened its third office hub, Goto 10, in Linköping. Here, tech, nature, and innovation meet. Wrapped in a reused shell, yet with the same strong brand identity as the other offices.

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).

Contact person

Kristina Jonasson

+46 708 23 14 33

Embark Studios

A game changer
Interior Design
Offices
Client: Embark Studios
Location: Stockholm
Year: 2021
Photographer: Felix Gerlach

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.

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.

Contact person

Ellevio

An office with warmth and community
Interior Design
Offices
Client: Ellevio
Location: Karlstad
Year: 2021
Photographer: Felix Gerlach

Warmth, togetherness, and reused interiors. At Ellevio’s office, they talk about “värmskap” (a combination of warmth and fellowship), a concept that’s reflected in everything from the smallest details to the overall design of this climate-smart interior that we helped create.

An interior that evokes associations with power grids, community, and nature. Ellevio’s new activity-based office captures this through deliberate design choices.

An environment for co-creation and creativity

From a traditional office layout to a varied space designed for togetherness. In close collaboration with Ellevio, we designed nearly 200 workstations, a reception, cafeteria, meeting rooms, and lounge areas. Employees can now choose between active zones for collaboration or bright rooms for focused work and digital meetings. The team carefully selected colors and materials to suit each room’s purpose and meet the needs of its users.

Värmland’s natural expression

Reused interior

We wanted to create a climate-smart interior that stands the test of time. Therefore, both the furniture and the premises are flexible and adaptable — easy to rearrange and use in new ways. A large part of the furnishings are reused, while most of the new furniture is eco-labeled. Altogether, old and new form a cohesive mix of woods and tones. A perfect fit for the office of the future.

“We based our entire design on the concept of värmskap. The result is a sense of warmth and community, with the Värmland nature as a connecting thread,” says Helena Wegerstedt Rask, interior architect at Tengbom in Karlstad.

Contact person

Elin Larsson

+46 702 75 67 66

Kroatorpet

Updated coffee gem
Interior Design
Building Preservation & Restoration, Restaurants
Client: Huskvarna Hembygdsförening
Years: 2020-2021
Awards: Diploma for Good Building Conservation, Jönköping Urban Design Prize
Developer and partners: Huskvarna Hembygdsförening & Pålssons Bygg
Photographer: Jansin & Hammarling

Halfway along the E4 motorway between Stockholm and Malmö lies the classic rest stop Kroatorpet, with roots dating back to the 18th century. In a bold initiative by Huskvarna Hembygdsförening, we have updated the building with a new restaurant section, improving both the staff’s work environment and the guest flow.

Kroatorpet originally dates from the 18th century. When the motorway was built in the 1960s, it was moved a few hundred meters from its original location and became a coffee cottage for passing travelers and local Huskvarna residents. Today, it houses Landhs konditori, which serves both motorists and locals with meals and pastries.

“While carefully preserving the original buildings, we’ve improved the staff’s work environment and the flow for guests. The new extension with glass walls functions both as a barrier to the motorway and as an opening toward Huskvarna’s most beautiful feature. The view over Lake Vättern.”

The new dining room offers views — free from motorway noise

Because the two older main buildings were to be preserved, the most significant change took place between them. Here, a completely new restaurant section now connects the buildings, with a transparent dining room that captures the view while shielding against noise. Even outdoor café guests are now protected from motorway sounds thanks to the new section. This improvement makes it possible to host more events during the warmer months.

“We worked with wood interiors to retain the cozy and warm atmosphere, using white-stained wooden slats, panels, and glulam beams,” says architect Håkan Albeman. “The exterior façades of the older houses remain visible as interior walls. And despite the large glass surfaces, we managed to create a good acoustic environment.”

We love courageous investments

Local collaborations

Several local companies were involved in the transformation. The furniture, for example, comes from Karl Andersson & Söner’s furniture factory, located just a few minutes’ walk from Kroatorpet.

“The new dining hall has created a space that gives the business an entirely different economic foundation,” says Anna. “It was a courageous investment by the local heritage association, and now we can attract many more visitors. Many are travelers passing by, but we’ve also managed to strengthen an important meeting place for us Huskvarna residents.”

Kroatorpet awarded for building conservation

The design of the new section complements the older buildings. While it is clearly a modern addition, the gabled roof and classic Småland wooden construction—with its fine proportions—enhance the original houses and harmonize with the rich cultural setting.

In 2022, the city of Jönköping awarded the renovation of Kroatorpet the Urban Design Prize. The jury selected it in the category “Good Building Conservation.”

Contact person

Matt Patterson

+46 36 440 90 81