Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport

Not a single white wall

Interior Design

Hotels & Meetings, Restaurants

Client: Strawberry

Location: Vantaa, Helsingfors

GFA: Approximately 25,000 sqm

Completion: 2024

Architect: Sarc + Sigge

Photographer: Felix Gerlach

Jet-lagged and exhausted, you check into an airport hotel. Whatever expectations you may have, if you’re staying at Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport, you’re stepping into a world where modern Scandinavian design meets Asian mystique. Here, Japanese carp and Finnish perch share space. With a bold and distinctive interior concept, the goal was to make Finland’s largest hotel anything but “a necessary stop on the journey.”

Helsinki Airport is often nicknamed “Gateway to Asia,” with over 80 direct flights to Asian destinations weekly. The hotel’s architecture reflects Scandinavian rhythm and minimalist aesthetics, with crisp and clean lines. Inside, however, it’s anything but minimalist.

“You won’t find a single white wall in the hotel,” says Claes Pereswetoff-Morath, the lead architect at Tengbom.

A memorable stay

The Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport is Finland’s largest hotel, conveniently connected to the terminal via an indoor walkway and just steps away from airport check-in counters. A quick 30-minute commute connects you to Helsinki city center via public transport. The hotel boasts a state-of-the-art conference center, a spa, and a top-floor restaurant offering sweeping views of the runways.

“What does a traveler expect from an airport hotel? That question was at the forefront of our minds throughout the project,” shares Claes.

We wanted to create a cozy oasis amidst terminals, parking garages, and logistics buildings.

Japanese carp and Finnish pike

Airport hotels are often perceived as transient places where one stays only due to inconvenient flight times, and the memory of the stay fades quickly. But Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport is a destination in its own right, offering surprises in every room.

“Scandinavia meets Asia in a blend of clean, modern Scandinavian design and classic Asian aesthetics,” Claes explains. The concept, dubbed JAPANDI, is embodied by the iconic koi carp and Finland’s national fish, the perch.

You can watch a plane take off and disappear into the clouds on the horizon.

Breakfast under Japanese maple trees

The hotel’s restaurants and bars feature robust materials such as stone floors, solid wood details, and Scandinavian design furniture, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Combining matte and glossy textures, dark and light tones, the design achieves a balance of exclusivity and inclusiveness.

“Designing a breakfast restaurant the size of a handball court in a hotel with 505 rooms, while ensuring it feels intimate and inviting at 4 a.m. when breakfast starts, was a challenge”.

Claes Morath

Daylight filters through four skylights in the breakfast hall, casting magical light on the 5-meter-tall Japanese maple trees amid the morning rush. Varied seating arrangements, pendant lights, and upholstered furniture create a dynamic setting for social interactions.

Plane-spotting on the rooftop terrace

The spa and wellness area provides a serene retreat. Guests can also enjoy a courtyard terrace with a heated pool, perfect for experiencing a Finnish winter.

“The hotel offers a relaxing spa, a rooftop restaurant, and a terrace bar with stunning views of the runways,” Claes says. “You can watch a plane take off and disappear into the clouds on the horizon.”

Tech meets tradition

The hotel’s guest rooms exude intimacy, with genuine wooden floors and earthy tones for a cozy feel. Smart solutions integrate service functions into the interior, optimizing the relatively small standard rooms.

Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport also features a high-tech conference facility with 20 meeting rooms and a congress hall accommodating over 1,000 attendees. The luxurious wool carpets contribute to a soft acoustic environment, complementing the contrast between advanced technology and plush materials.

“Every corner of the hotel is designed to offer a holistic experience. Guests should leave with a memorable impression and a strong desire to return,” hopes Claes.

Contact person

Claes Morath

Lead Architect

claes.morath@tengbom.se

+46 8 412 53 47

Kämpasten Conference Center

From ash to aurum

Architecture, Interior Design

Hotels & Meetings, Restaurants

Client: Stockholm School of Economics Executive Education

Location: Kämpasten, Sigtuna

Completion year: 2024

Gross Aaea: Approximately 2,000 sqm

Photographer: Erik Lefvander

Nestled on a forest-clad northern slope by Lake Mälaren, not far from Sigtuna and Arlanda, lies the Kämpasten Conference Center. This is where business leaders from the Stockholm School of Economics’ Executive Education program come to further their knowledge. After the kitchen and dining hall were destroyed in a fire, Johan Sundberg Architects, in collaboration with Tengbom, were commissioned to design a new main building – one that exudes strength and presence.

Initially, the project involved developing a master plan for the facility. The center is organized around a “bygata” or village street, a concept originating from the original competition proposal in the 1980s. The plan emphasizes preserving the character of the site, its forest and water, while enhancing the sensory experience of Kämpasten.

“Spatial experiences, materiality, connection to nature, the interplay of light, and other architectural elements were to combine to create an atmosphere that fosters a deep connection to the place, enhancing participants’ sense of presence,” explains Johan Sundberg, lead architect.

Vision and a client that values architecture

Before the fire, the only building deemed worth preserving without significant renovation was the communal kitchen and dining hall. Tragically, this building burned to the ground in summer 2020, just before the new plan was set to be presented. The assignment expanded to include designing a completely new main building. After multiple visits to the ruins, the placement of the new structure was adjusted accordingly.

“Every building is a new prototype and requires flexibility and ongoing dialogue. But the project’s success is also due to the Stockholm School of Economics’ understanding and appreciation of architecture,” says Johan Sundberg. “Our vision was to create a destination that highlights the unique qualities of the site, making Kämpasten a special place for executive education.”

A respectful collaboration to achieve excellence

After Johan Sundberg developed the architectural concept for the new main building, Erik Gardell from Tengbom joined the project to take it from design development through construction.

“Our backgrounds differ, but our perspectives on architecture are similar,” says Erik Gardell. “We’re both generalists who can adapt our roles depending on project needs. For Kämpasten, structure and role clarity were crucial to the collaboration and contributed to the excellent results.”

“Erik’s team clarified and refined the concept,” says Johan. “Our collaboration strengthened and improved the project rather than simplifying it. With our shared language and reference framework, we successfully enhanced the inherent quality of the project.”

A building in harmony with nature

The new building deviates from the footprint of its predecessor, creating views over a terraced square where the old structure once stood. Built into the slope with three varying floor levels, the design follows the natural contours of the landscape. The interior captures the surroundings with a shift in the floor plan’s angle. A large hipped roof ties the new structure to the rest of the campus while remaining below the treetops. A central spine wall separates the guests’ dining and conference areas from the large kitchen. The slight misalignment of the roof lines introduces skylights that channel daylight into the building’s core.

“It was obvious that the structural frame should be made of wood, visible as a post-and-beam system. Not as a series of walls with openings,” Johan notes.

The upper floor is open, offering sweeping views of the forest and lake, while the ground floor is more intimate, with enclosed spaces, smooth timber ceilings, carpets, and a direct connection to the earth.

Vision and a client that values architecture

Before the fire, the only building deemed worth preserving without significant renovation was the communal kitchen and dining hall. Tragically, this building burned to the ground in summer 2020, just before the new plan was set to be presented. The assignment expanded to include designing a completely new main building. After multiple visits to the ruins, the placement of the new structure was adjusted accordingly.

“Every building is a new prototype and requires flexibility and ongoing dialogue. But the project’s success is also due to the Stockholm School of Economics’ understanding and appreciation of architecture,” says Johan Sundberg. “Our vision was to create a destination that highlights the unique qualities of the site, making Kämpasten a special place for executive education.”

A respectful collaboration to achieve excellence

After Johan Sundberg developed the architectural concept for the new main building, Erik Gardell from Tengbom joined the project to take it from design development through construction.

“Our backgrounds differ, but our perspectives on architecture are similar,” says Erik Gardell. “We’re both generalists who can adapt our roles depending on project needs. For Kämpasten, structure and role clarity were crucial to the collaboration and contributed to the excellent results.”

“Erik’s team clarified and refined the concept,” says Johan. “Our collaboration strengthened and improved the project rather than simplifying it. With our shared language and reference framework, we successfully enhanced the inherent quality of the project.”

A building in harmony with nature

The new building deviates from the footprint of its predecessor, creating views over a terraced square where the old structure once stood. Built into the slope with three varying floor levels, the design follows the natural contours of the landscape. The interior captures the surroundings with a shift in the floor plan’s angle. A large hipped roof ties the new structure to the rest of the campus while remaining below the treetops. A central spine wall separates the guests’ dining and conference areas from the large kitchen. The slight misalignment of the roof lines introduces skylights that channel daylight into the building’s core.

“It was obvious that the structural frame should be made of wood, visible as a post-and-beam system. Not as a series of walls with openings,” Johan notes.

Movement and light in Kämpasten’s floor plan

Between the timber columns, glass panels dominate, with filled sections only where necessary. The roof structure, resembling the veins of a leaf when viewed from below, adds a natural touch. Concrete is used for the foundation and stabilizing walls, clearly delineating these elements. To meet the span and technical requirements of the kitchen, a cast-in-place intermediate floor was implemented.
The building layout encourages movement and circulation between dining halls, lounges, and conference rooms. A centrally located staircase channels daylight to the lower level.

“The upper floor is open, offering sweeping views of the forest and lake, while the ground floor is more intimate, with enclosed spaces, smooth timber ceilings, carpets, and a direct connection to the earth.”

Erik Gardell

Sensory and natural

The team used untreated pine and spruce for the façade, structure, and ceilings, while finishing the interiors with ash and oak. Limestone flooring and exposed concrete complement the material palette. The building’s façade elements, metalwork, and fittings feature lacquered metal. Designer Pierre Sindre added tactile furnishings and textiles made from natural materials.

“We’ve remained true to the project’s narrative and shared vision throughout,” says Erik. “The collaboration has taught us much—not least the importance of clear communication and the courage to follow one’s ideas.”

“Trusting each other’s reasoning was immensely valuable,” Johan adds. “One must dare to discuss and reveal ideas to create the best architecture.”

Awards and nominations

Kämpasten was nominated for the EUmies Award 2026 – Mies van der Rohe. Since its launch in 1988, the EUmies Awards have highlighted architecture that strengthens the connection between culture, society and creativity across Europe. The prize celebrates projects that unite the built, the human and the natural — and in doing so, raise the quality of the environments we live in. In addition, Kämpasten was also a nominee for the 2025 Sigtuna Municipality Architecture Prize. Featured in Dezeen 2026.

Contact person

Erik Gardell

Lead Architect

erik.gardell@tengbom.se

+46 8 410 354 72

Midsommarkransen Elementary School

A fire station turned into a school

Architecture, Cultural Heritage, Interior Design

Education, Renovation & Transformation

Client: Skolfastigheter i Stockholm AB, Sisab

Inauguration: 2023

Location: Midsommarkransen, Stockholm

Gross area: Approximately 14,000 m², including 2,000 m² of renovation

Photographer: Felix Gerlach

The former fire station in Midsommarkransen, built in the early 1940s, has been converted into a school for over 1,000 students. The building maintains a contemporary look, drawing inspiration from the fire station’s original architecture while emphasizing its function as a public building. Welcome to Midsommarkransen Elementary School.

Tengbom’s assignment was to integrate the heritage-protected buildings with a modern structure, balancing aesthetics and functionality.

“We solved the equation by placing the five-storey school building behind the preserved wagon hall of the old fire station,” explains Pontus Eriksson, lead architect. “Meanwhile, we transformed the wagon hall into a school canteen with a preschool class above, seamlessly connected to the new main building.”

In this way, the wagon hall retains its historically significant facade as a backdrop at the Bäckvägen-Tellusborgsvägen intersection. The adjacent administration building has also been carefully restored.

High functionality while preserving nature

The new rectangular structure consolidates the school’s spaces across five compact floors. This design preserves much of the natural site, including a centuries-old oak tree and a neighboring wooded area. The area behind the school building has been transformed into a schoolyard that borders the Enbacken Park, complete with natural walking and cycling paths. The connection between these two areas enhances the neighborhood’s appeal for both the public and students, fostering shared use of the schoolyard and park.

Illustration of the school and schoolyard

Thoughtful material choices reflecting historical elements

The fire station’s cultural buildings are classified as green-protected, requiring consultation with a conservation officer. Tengbom’s task was to design a contemporary building that underscores its significant function within the community. But also while respecting the original architecture.
The preserved structures have been meticulously restored using original materials such as slate, brick, and wood. The new school building complements these with modern materials in a harmonious colour palette.

“The material and colour choices for the new building draw inspiration from the fire station’s 1940s origins. We also prioritized robust and durable materials like concrete, aluminum, and wood to meet the school’s demands for wear-resistant finishes”.

Pontus Eriksson

A public building designed to stand out

The light sand-coloured concrete facade harmonizes with the surrounding buildings. Parts of the facade feature a bold, undulating relief pattern, lending the structure character and creating dynamic shadows that shift with the angle of the sunlight.

White concrete frames highlight the two entrances, positioned at opposite corners of the building. Their design draws inspiration from the lower sections of the wagon hall. The fifth floor features a lightweight structure clad in light bronze-coloured aluminum. It serves as a creative cluster for all arts-related subjects.

The roof includes a terrace with a pedagogical outdoor space. Aluminum-framed windows with deep relief profiles add an aesthetic touch while providing sun shading.

In January 2023, the school welcomed its first students.

Awards and recognitions

Midsommarkransen Elementary School received a ‘Highly Commended’ distinction in the Inside Education category at the World Architecture Festival 2024. The project was also a finalist for Stockholm Building of the Year 2023

Contact person

Pontus Eriksson

Lead Architect

pontus.eriksson@tengbom.se

+46 8 412 52 60

Tengbom’s Stockholm Office

A pink discovery tour

Interior Design

Offices

Client: Tengbom

Location: Hälsingegatan 49 Stockholm

Year: 2023

Property owner: Atrium Ljungberg

Collaboration partner: TL Bygg

Photographers: Felix Gerlach and Emil Fagander

A curious architect is a good architect. With this in mind Tengbom’s Stockholm office left our home near Slussen after many years to explore and experience one of Stockholm’s most experimental and inspiring urban development projects: Hagastaden. In an old mineral factory from 1934, we built our pink dream.

The Tengbom-branded move from the iconic Glass House on Katarinavägen by Slussen left for Hagastaden on April 1, 2023. On the address labels: Hälsingegatan 49. Before you have the chance to ask why, we give you the answer – change and renewal are good for creativity. And as architects, we need both creativity and insights into how cityscapes (and the people in those environments) change. The aftermath of the pandemic had also changed the way we work and created new needs for our staff.

“Hagastaden’s diverse architecture, many green areas, and wide range of services create a creative and vibrant environment for us to work, experiment, and develop together with our customers and partners,” says lead architect Mark Humphreys.

New growth rings but the same brick

Many buildings in Hagastaden take us back to the industrialism of the 1930s. For more than 40 years, the red brick-clad building, the Mineral Factory, housed Apotekarnes mineral water production. Through a careful transformation from industry to office, the industrial feel of the building lives on to this day. From the courtyard you can clearly see the intersection of the historic factory section and the modern glass extension. Here, our employees have a green oasis for coffee, lunch, and refreshing meetings – furnished with Tengbom-designed outdoor furniture.

An office that breathes freedom and optimism

Spatial discovery in pink

Thanks to a flexible floor plan with many possibilities, we were able to create a functional, creative, and stimulating work environment for our employees. The spatial journey starts at the entrance. Here, the visitor is greeted by a welcoming and dynamic “Arena” with inspiration areas, inviting touchdown workstations, sofa groups, ping pong tables, lunch tables, an open kitchen, and a library. Instead of a traditional reception, we have a mobile host who welcomes and guides our guests. It is more like an integrated part of the flexible workspaces. The Arena also works well for larger events.

“From the Arena, you can see right into the modelling workshop, a large wooden pavilion with impressive shop windows. The further into the premises you go, the more surprises you encounter. Walking through our office should be a bit of a discovery tour,” continues Mark.

A 1200 square meter spray-painted pink ceiling connects many of the different parts of the office. The colour lies densely over pipe and ceiling installations, leaving clear traces of the former factory. The pink creates an optimistic, soft, and warm feeling that brings life and builds identity.

The Activity guides

The office is adapted to an activity-based work approach and divided into zones that offer rooms and environments for all types of work. The workstationes are flexible and allow for different types of grouping and ways of working at different times. We simply let the needs of the day or the task to guide us. Or the mood, for that matter.

“There is a room for every moment, task, and mood. When I want to work a bit secluded, I hang out in the niche of the wooden pavilion; when I need to brainstorm with my colleagues, I sit down in the open-plan office. The sofa groups work well for more relaxed meetings, and the many small team rooms facilitate our digital-physical way of working,” says our architect Pernille Andersen.

Gym? Yes, of course. It is fully equipped and ready to welcome fitness enthusiasts both during and outside working hours.

Be creative!

Our new office should not be perceived as tidy but rather as a living and experimental workshop. A natural meeting place that breathes freedom and creativity. An encouraging and permissive hub that prioritizes co-creation. In common areas, we share what is on our drawing boards here and now through sketches, models, material and colour samples, and more. In an increasingly digitized work environment, physical experiences are becoming more important. Being able to touch and feel.

In an increasingly digitized work environment, physical experiences become even more important. Being able to touch and feel.

“We want our employees to be encouraged to try something new, to be inspired, to have new ideas, and the opportunity to experiment – it is a crucial foundation in our work as architects. That’s why we showcase what we are working on and our collective intelligence even more,” says Mark.

Close collaborations yield good results

Our new office is the result of good collaborations, especially with Atrium Ljungberg and TL Bygg.

“We worked as a team with Atrium Ljungberg and TL Bygg, who were very responsive to our needs. Thanks to that, we got maximum value out of the existing framework,” says Mark.

Awards and recognition

Nominated for Inside World Festival of Interiors 2024 (WAF) and Sweden’s Most Beautiful Office 2024. Winner of Sustainable Interior of the Year i Dezeen Awards 2024. Winner of Guldstolen Interiör 2024.

Contact person

Anna Morén Sahlin

Practice Director Stockholm

anna.moren-sahlin@tengbom.se

+46 8 410 354 47

Preschools in Varberg

A scalable concept surrounded by nature

Architecture, Interior Design

Education

Client: Varbergs Fastighets AB

Year: 2021

Entreprenuer: MTA

BTA: 2,105 m²

Photographer: Kalle Sanner & Carl Ander

Tengbom’s environmentally friendly preschool concept is behind three new preschools in Varberg. Wood, playful colours and proximity to the outdoors will give the children a positive experience of nature, even inside. Cherries, lingonberries and butterflies inspired the colour palette, which was chosen based on research.

The preschools Stenen in Tvååker, Klapperstenen in Breared and Bua Preschool are all the result of the preschool concept that Tengbom developed with the idea that it should be possible to apply and adapt to different locations. The design concept is based on the vision “in a forest, on a stone,” and the aim is for users to experience natural elements and colours from the outdoors even while inside the preschools.

“All of these preschools are close to nature and surrounded by green areas. They should blend in with their surroundings naturally,” explains Amanda Karlberg, who was the designer on the project at Tengbom. “Working with a scalable concept for preschools is a smart and sustainable approach. These three schools differ slightly, but incorporate the same basic concept of nature and wood as a material.

“We’re really happy with our beautiful, inspiring new preschool,” says Linda Persson, principal at the Stenen preschool. “The teachers, children and administrative staff all feel good in the space. We like the light, the high ceilings and the colours. The school’s floorplan really allows teachers to teach in a varied and interesting way. We also have great opportunities to split the kids into smaller groups, which is a winning concept of our teaching. Because each home area has several rooms, we also have the opportunity to use and enjoy inspiring, adapted and changing learning environments. The focus and materials in a room can change frequently.”

Visible wooden framework

One of the project goals was to build with wood using an economical and environmentally friendly approach. Two of the preschools are built on a wooden framework and wood appears throughout both the interior and exterior. Wood is also a highly tactile material – the kids can see it, feel it and experience it. The result harmonizes with the calm and playful colour palette that is reminiscent of the forest.

“Building with wood feels especially right for a preschool. We know that it’s beneficial for well-being to be in wooden buildings and we wanted the kids to experience that”.

Amanda Karlberg

Preschool concept: outdoor naptime

Time spent outdoors is an important part of being in preschool. Each school has a freestanding pergola – an outdoor space made with wooden slats. The pergola provides shelter from the sun in the yard and has the same rural-inspired design as the preschool building, but at a child’s scale. The wooden slats and natural setting call to mind a retreat or a spa. As light falls through the slats, it casts shadows that enhance the atmosphere and bring vibrancy to the yard. The children and the teachers play here, and naptime also takes place outside on the patio.

“Before naptime at the preschool, the children and teachers gather mattresses and blankets from a heated room nearby,” says Amanda. “The children rest or sleep outdoors every day. This is also consistent with the well-being concept that we wanted to convey.”

Nature’s colour palette

The visual design concept inspired by stones and the forest is carried indoors through the colour palette, which offers a nod to nature. Instead of the frequently used palette of whites on preschool walls, the colour scheme in this preschool concept incorporates soft and natural hues. The idea comes from research on colour theory, with inspiration from a blossoming summer meadow. Cherries, lingonberries and butterflies are among the colourful details that provide contrast to the even greenery of the forest or the gray hues of the mountains.

“We don’t have bright colours all over the place, but rather a colourful balance that makes people feel good. It stimulates the brain and keeps spirits high,” explains Amanda. “Kids and adults alike need colour.”

The preschool rooms all put different educational activities in focus. There is a construction room, a sensory room and a studio – each with its own colour scheme.

“Imagine a winter landscape where everything is black, white and gray,” continues Amanda. “In that setting, bold colours would be a warning to the brain. I think our colour concepts might have initially been perceived as too bright and dominant, but the result is far from loud or alarming. It feels soft and warm and works incredibly well with the wood that’s also visible inside.”

Preschool concept: creative and flexible yards

The preschools also have large, varied and creative yards outside, with playground equipment for all ages. The spaces in the yard can be delineated and scaled up or down to give the younger children their own area.

“We’re feeling at home now that the new preschool has been operating for a year and a half,” says Linda Persson. “We all love it and we’re very proud of our preschool. That includes the building and the teaching that we do here!”

Contact person

Kajsa Crona

Practice Director Gothenburg

kajsa.crona@tengbom.se

+46 727 07 79 73

Hemsö´s regional office

Innovative reuse project

Interior Design

Offices

Client: Hemsö

Location: Malmö

Collaborators: Vasakronan, Henda entreprenad AB, Input Interiör

BTA: 350 m²

Photographer: Felix Gerlach

For the past five years, property company Hemsö´s regional office have been situated at the old Kockumskvarter block in Malmö. But as the team expanded, they outgrew their premises. Right? Actually, no! Our solution was a new (and clever!) interior design concept.

When the Hemsö regional office in Malmö went from 10 to 16 employees, growing pains set in. The office needed more space for its new staff members. But bearing Hemsö’s core values in mind – such as added value, sustainability and a long-term approach – Tengbom’s team thought twice. Instead, we presented a proposal for which the existing premises, with a minor 45 m² addition from next door, would be ideal to adapt for double the amount of staff.

“The new office has given us a real boost,” says Henrik Orup, property manager at Hemsö’s regional office. “Tengbom helped us stay in our current premises, so we didn’t have to move – and we’re thrilled about that solution.”

And, of course, it’s also good for the landlord, Vasakronan, to be able to keep their tenant in the property.

Attracting employees with inspiration

“We saw plenty of opportunities for reuse, not only in the interior design and materials, but in the space itself,” says Maeva Chardon, lead architect for the assignment and interior design architect at Tengbom.

Meanwhile, Hemsö was clear that their office ought to be more than just desks. It should be more rewarding to go into the office than to work from home in terms of inspiration, social experiences and meetings with colleagues. But focused work without disruptions should also be possible.

Black box – coming together in an industrial-inspired kitchen

Hemsö’s regional office is a small gable space with windows facing in three directions, offering views of the water and the old industrial area. The design concept is based around the idea of a social hub in the middle of the premises. A black box with a deep wall now contains a spacious black kitchen with an industrial feel on one side, and shelving, seating niches and storage on the other. The kitchen offers space to socialize, including a new area with a variety of seating options around dining tables, tall tables and risers. Parties, film screenings and presentations can all be held here.

A room to suit the mood

A path leads from the core through the premises to the various work areas and rooms. The path – which is a literal path on the floor in a greige, gravel-like colour – guides visitors through the office space to its different areas. You can go to the Jungle, a room for creativity where plants climb over the desks and the walls are covered in wood paneling. You might also visit the Ocean, a conference room with views of the sea and bubble-like pendant fixtures. The beige hue of the Beach is reminiscent of a sandy shore, making the local Ribban beach feel very close indeed. In this space, more focused meetings can be held. If you want to work in a more open space, the Meadow is a cozy and social work setting with flooring made of reused green carpet tiles.

“The concept is based on the idea of entering the office through the more social and active zone. The further into the office you get along the path, the more you can choose between individual workspaces and meeting rooms for focus or recovery”.

Maeva Chardon

We replaced the archive room in the black core with two smaller meeting rooms. Each includes seating niches and glass panels facing the open office space. In addition, we added two focus rooms for individual work — something the old office lacked.

“Our office isn’t just stylish now; it’s also an inspiring workplace that you’re happy to go to,” says Henrik Orup, Hemsö. “The new office truly became a meeting place for community, innovation, security and well-being. We see it as a storefront that elevates the Hemsö brand.”

Reused and circular materials

At Hemsö’s regional office in Malmö, the team made sure nothing was discarded unnecessarily. They repurposed certain doors and glass panels for the meeting rooms. In other spaces, they kept the existing carpet tiles. They also brought desks, office chairs, meeting tables, and several conference chairs from the old office.

“The new materials all feature some form of circularity,” explains Maeva. “For example, the new carpet tiles are made of recycled PET bottles. Nothing should be thrown away if it can be reused. The finished office is really different from what it used to be. In a very positive way!”

Contact person

Josefin Klein

Practice Director Skåne

josefin.klein@tengbom.se

+46 40 641 31 18

Vellinge Travel Center

Secluded calm with algorithms behind the scenes

Architecture, Interior Design

Infrastructure

Client:

Year: 2020

Area: 160 m²

Partners: Region Skåne, Trafikverket, Vellinge kommun, Sweco, Edge (landskap)

Photography: Mads Frederik

A complex traffic flow, road noise and the absence of a safe space for waiting travelers call for creativity and clever algorithms. One side of the E6 now has a travel center spliced down the middle by an 80-meter-long, six-meter-tall and distinctive sound barrier. On the other side of the road, fields billow in the wind. Here is Vellinge Travel Center.

Vellinge Travel Center — To avoid sound leakage, the noise barrier over the Vellinge travel center is completely intact. It cuts right through the station building, tightly shaped around the body of the building and then flows together with the landscape.

Vellinge Ängar is one of the municipality’s biggest public transport hubs, located directly beside the E6, between Malmö and Trelleborg. Thousands of commuters pass through daily, many in need of a safe and accessible travel center. This is a need that will grow as the area is developed with new homes adjacent to the recently built entry square. Cyclists can now park their bikes under a roof and continue their commute by bus. Meanwhile, those who arrive to the commuter parking lot by electric car now have access to charging stations.

A particular challenge was to keep the acoustic sound barrier intact, to avoid sound leakage. That’s why the building itself is divided, with a waiting area directly through the sound barrier. The barrier is tightly draped around the building. Together, they form a unit where the building is subordinate to the barrier, at the landscape level.

When Tengbom developed the travel center and the sound barrier, focus was placed on the experience from both the station square and from the road.

A backdrop-like sound barrier

The sound barrier runs directly over the station roof and plays a key role in the travel center. It welcomes travelers inside while blocking noise from the road. Using parametric design, where algorithms guide construction, the team developed a solution with OrganoWood battens. The battens create a vibrant spectrum of hues. Their distance and placement vary in three unique dimensions, allowing sunlight to fall differently depending on the time of day and season. Some sections of the sound barrier are transparent, with glass behind the battens. This design lets light into the square and offers views across the fields. The division into clear sections forms a stylized interpretation of the surrounding landscape.

“Getting to help create something that changes and improves the environment for thousands of people every day is rewarding,” says Torbjörn Håkansson, lead architect for the assignment. “The combination of major traffic flows, accessibility and striking design was an exciting challenge.”

A safe, 200 square-meter station

The station entrance facing the road acts as a beacon, signaling the new neighborhood emerging beyond the barrier. Inside, the waiting area feels open and safe, with no corners to close visitors in.Travelers can take shelter from the wind and rain. They can also use Wi-Fi from the local transport operator, visit the restroom, or enjoy a coffee at the café. Outside, a playground offers a safe and fun space for little ones, making the wait for the bus more enjoyable.

Elegant and natural materials

The exterior is made of slate, a durable and graffiti-proof material. The floor in the waiting area is also made of slate. The colours and signs inside are a nod to the local operator’s graphic profile, with a yellow-orange palette providing contrast next to the natural materials. The ceiling and the interior’s outer walls are covered in natural-colour wood wool tiles, interspersed with lacquered ash sofas. The ceiling fixtures bring nature into the space while providing nice acoustics, with their soft wool foliage.

“The station is a very positive addition to Vellinge,” says Martina Ljung, head of planning and development at Vellinge Municipality. The E6 is very exposed to weather, so people appreciate being able to find shelter.”

Contact person

Josefin Klein

Practice Director Skåne

josefin.klein@tengbom.se

+46 40 641 31 18

Hatstore Arena

For sports, culture, and community

Architecture, Interior Design

Branding & Concept, Sports, Sports & Health

Client:

Location: Kalmar

BTA: 8,966 m²

Finished: 2021

Awards and recognitions: Nominated for Meeting Place of the Year, Kalmar 2023

Why doesn’t Kalmar have an event space for both sports and music? The municipality thought long and hard about this question — and the idea for the Hatstore Arena was born. With the contract in hand, Tengbom decided to design a building that presented the city of Kalmar as a dynamic cultural center.

Hatstore Arena — The facade is covered with corrugated, perforated aluminum, bringing a sense of rawness to the building based on how light reflects off it and how transparent it is. Photo: Felix Gerlach

On the south end, the ice-skating rink connects to the Carlberg Villa and Carlberg Park.

Kalmar’s old ice-skating rink, which had previously been used for ice hockey, public skating, and figure skating, has now been redesigned and turned into a larger event center for cultural events with space for up to 3,500 people.

“We wanted to build something robust,” explains Johan Kjellnäs, lead design architect at Tengbom. “The building should be made of robust materials that don’t require unnecessary maintenance. The space needs to be durable, with many wet rooms that will see a lot of use from all the different events the center hosts. At the same time, we wanted to pull out all the stops and create a building with a unique design.”

“Kalmar finally has a proper event center!”

Kalmar Residents

An ice crystal greets visitors

“It’s always a good idea to have a clear vision to base the design on. That way, everyone has the same image in mind throughout the project,” explains Johan Kjellnäs.

The vision: an ice block that sparkles in the light. A modern design that both contrasts and harmonizes with the city. Photo: Adam Kjellnäs

The building’s design is reminiscent of an ice crystal that is partly transparent and glitters in the light. Inside, the arena makes up the center of the building. How transparent the building is depends on how the building’s facade is lit up. To reach the arena space, visitors follow a directed path into the building’s center. Visible from far away, the main entrance leads visitors into the arena via a wide central staircase. Following the staircase, a large, warm, red room welcomes visitors with a view overlooking the ice and event space.

“It’s a classic, but effective trick that architects use. Visitors go from a small room to a large one, where they can easily find their spot, and where the restaurant and bar are visible,” Johan Kjellnäs explains.

Designed to stand out

The exterior is designed with a corrugated, perforated aluminum panel that overlays the building’s transparent facade, adding fragility and delicateness to the structure’s overall effect. The facade is lit up from below, illuminating the building’s face with horizontal lines – almost like a stage with a backdrop. The colour of the lighting can be changed, which helps a lot when matching the building’s facade to the type of event being advertised.

Red for passion

In terms of the design, we’ve been very conscious of both materials and colours. The colour red symbolizes passion, while also being Kalmar’s team colour. Black symbolizes intimacy. The wood detailing creates a sense of warmth, which is woven into the raw concrete that gives the building robustness. The circular patterns symbolize figure skaters’ pirouettes, hockey pucks, movements and community. These patterns are also found in the suspended ceiling, materials and artistic decor.

View of the balconies inside the arena from the restaurant. Photo: Felix Gerlach

The facade is covered by a pleated, perforated alumininum sheet, which with the transparent underlying volume adds fragility and sheen to the design. The facade lighting is directed from the ground and strikes the facade where it creates horizontal lines – almost like a scene with a background. The colour of the lighting can be changed based on the event to be written and help build the right mood.

Hatstore Arena – a place for experiences

Hatstore Arena is now open, giving Kalmar residents a much-needed setting where community and experiences are the focal points. Every city needs a public space for applause and cheers. This is where dreams come true, and where, unfortunately, some dreams come to an end.

“Now we’re just waiting for artistic pieces to be added outside the arena,” Johan Kjellnäs goes on to say, “There are going to be three art pieces in the front square that will help complete the overall design. Following every stage of the project, from the initial vision to the final product, was a lot of fun. And in the words of a passer-by, “Kalmar finally has a proper event center!”

Contact person

Joao Pereira

Practice Director Linköping

joao.pereira@tengbom.se

+46 708 79 99 38

Oden Commercial Kitchen

Better food in a smart work environment

Interior Design

Kitchens

Client:

Location: Vänersborg

Assignment years: 2018-2021

BTA: 2700 m²

Construction contractor: Serneke

Photographer: Felix Gerlach

Is it possible to cook several thousands of delicious and nutritious meals a day? With the opening of the Oden commercial kitchen in October 2021, Vänersborg Municipality says yes. In the new kitchen, employees work with smart solutions to accommodate every individual’s food preferences.

Ergonomics and simple cleaning is important.

Tengbom’s Malin Ljungblad, who previously worked as a food inspector, headed the project.

“For a project of this size, we prepared by doing a lot of preliminary visits to learn about the space and by going through surveys and reports from earlier projects,” Malin Ljungblad explains. One of our studio’s biggest strengths is our experience – we understand the business, the needs as well as food safety.

The project team also included Magnus Nilsson, a former cook.

“Everything had to be optimized,” says Magnus Nilsson. “From how goods are brought into the kitchen and how food is handled, to workflows surrounding food, safety, and hygiene, as well as cooking to accommodate diets and sustainability.”

Better food and a better work environment

Work on the 2,700-square meter workplace began in 2013. In an investigation conducted by the municipality, it was noted that the work environment for employees in public kitchens needed to be improved. Additionally, modern commercial kitchens had to meet today’s environmental and sustainability requirements. Last but not least, they also had to make delicious food for the municipality’s residents.

“We have been waiting and hoping for a new kitchen,” says Anna-Karin Svensson, catering manager at Vänersborg Municipality.

An important change is that the meals made for elderly care facilities are no longer kept warm after they’re cooked. Instead, employees use a special process to immediately freeze the meals, which preserves both taste and nutritional value. Previously, food would be kept warm until it was served. The reactions from people who eat the food prepared in the Oden commercial kitchen have been positive. They’ve said that the food both looks more appetizing and tastes better.

“The residents think that the food’s gotten better, and that’s pretty much the best part of it all — that, and giving employees a better work environment,” says Anna-Karin Svensson.

Work zones with a severe allergy kitchen and backroom

Every day, the Oden commercial kitchen serves 400 meals on-site to the middle school it’s located in. The remaining 4,200 portions the kitchen makes are delivered to other facilities around the municipality. The new kitchen has been planned out to include work zones, so teams no longer have to go from one work station to another unnecessarily.

“The recipe for a successful commercial kitchen is the ability to combine helpful features with logical workflows for employees and a workspace that isn’t too large”.

Magnus Nilsson

In addition to packing and freezing newly cooked meals, the team has now introduced a diet kitchen. They have also built a severe allergy kitchen to prepare allergy-friendly meals. The new kitchen setup keeps food completely separate from any allergen or contaminant, something that wasn’t possible before. Employees now have a new backroom where they can bake bread for the school restaurant. They also use this space to make timbales for individuals with difficulty chewing and swallowing.

Our mantra is to utilize everything we can to the fullest.

Environmentally-friendliness is baked in

Solar panels were installed on the roof of the new building, generating enough energy to power the equivalent of ten villas. All green waste is converted into biogas, and plans are in the works for a separate composter for food waste.

Contact person

Kajsa Crona

Practice Director Gothenburg

kajsa.crona@tengbom.se

+46 727 07 79 73

Clarion Hotel Sundsvall

Escapism à la Norrland

Interior Design

Hotels & Meetings, Restaurants

Client: Nordic Property Management / Nordic Choice Hotel

Location: Sundsvall

Assignment years: 2018-2021

BTA: 14 350 sqm and 270 hotel room

Property owners, Entrepreneur, Architect: Diös, Serneke, Krook & Tjäder

Certifications: BREEAM-SE Very Good

Can a hotel expand a city center? We think it can. With the opening of the new Clarion Hotel in Sundsvall, the “The Stone City” has gotten a fresh and shiny add-on.

The hotel’s unique location along the Selånger river. Photo: Lasse Olsson

The perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine. Attend conferences, relax, celebrate or simply escape. With “stone” and “jewel” as its keywords, the new Clarion Hotel in Sundsvall combines traditional and contemporary, bringing life and movement to a block that used to be just a parking lot.

Clarion Hotel Sundsvall — A spectacular street-level bar embellishes the hotel’s center. Suspended above the bar counter as if floating in mid-air, the bar’s overhang perfectly completes the space. Photo: Lasse Olsson

Warm, fresh and dramatic

The Selånger river, Norrland’s rugged nature, and Sundsvall’s industrial past were all sources of inspiration behind the design concept. Playing on the keywords stone and jewel, the decor is a far cry from your classic hotel style.

“As our jumping-off point, we used contrasts like polished and raw, glowing and cool, dark and light. Together, we created an interior design that feels human but still exciting,” says Nadia Tolstoy, design lead at Tengbom.

More than a hotel

In 2017, a jury named Sundsvall Sweden’s most beautiful city. People often describe it as a Phoenix rising from the ashes, a nod to the great fire of 1888. With Clarion Hotel Sundsvall, the city takes another step forward. The hotel welcomes guests with a warm and inviting lounge. It features an inspiring conference area, a rooftop restaurant with a terrace, an international spa, and rooms designed for long, lazy weekends. To create the perfect atmosphere, we combined polished brass detailing, natural stone, smoked oak, limestone hues, and wood paneling. We also wove motifs inspired by the Stone City into everything—from the patterns in the carpets to the textures in the bathrooms.

“We wanted to create the exact opposite of traditional hotels’ sterile decor. Using timeless, yet classic materials, with an emphasis on a welcoming design, we’ve created a fresh, lively meeting space for Sundsvall residents and long-distance travelers alike,” explains Claes Pereswetoff-Morath, project manager at Tengbom.

Contact person

Claes Morath

Interior Architect

claes.morath@tengbom.se

+46 8 412 53 47

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A memorable stay

Japanese carp and Finnish pike

Breakfast under Japanese maple trees

Plane-spotting on the rooftop terrace

Tech meets tradition

Contact person

Claes Morath

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