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Torsgatan 21

New meeting place in an iconic environment
Interior Design
Restaurants
Client: Bonnier fastigheter
Location: Stockholm
Collaborative partners: KS Projekt, Incoord
Type of project: Restaurant
Year of commission: 2014–2016
Areas of expertise: Interior design, Hotel & Restaurant

In May 2015, the doors to Torsgatan 21 opened – a new restaurant and delicatessen in an iconic Tengbom building. The interior design is intended to maintain the original feeling of the building and at the same time create a much needed, modern meeting place in Vasastan.

The address Torsgatan in Stockholm is occupied by the Bonnier building with new restaurants and the delicatessen Torsgatan 21. The building was designed in the 30s by Ivar and Anders Tengbom and it was the first skyscraper built from concrete after the first world war in Stockholm. The building was not completed until 1949 since the war got in the way and delayed the start. During the years, there have been additions and renovations based on Ivar and Anders’ original drawings.

Torsgatan 21
Photo: Svarteld, Peter Karlsson

The building was designed in the 30s by Ivar and Anders Tengbom and it was the first skyscraper built from concrete after the first world war in Stockholm.

Inviting meeting place in a workshop environment

When we developed the concept for Torsgatan 21, we wanted to keep the atmosphere of the house. The interior catches the atmosphere in the old printers works with heavy, classic materials such as metal – steel and zinc – and a colour scheme in print black. Lighting from the roof joists reflects the work shop environment. A proud history in a modern interpretation.

The restaurant buzzes with activity, offering a variety of different areas. Here, guests can explore the Dining Room, the Square, and the Delicatessen. The concept extends all the way to the atrium at the center of the building. This is where the outdoor restaurant takes place, blending seamlessly with PWC’s new glazed façade next door. Black metal accents highlight the transition between the spaces. Every surface is carefully designed. Thoughtful details, interesting views, and dynamic spatial features create a cohesive experience. In the autumn of 2016, the restaurant will expand even further with the opening of the Book Café.

When we developed the concept for Torsgatan 21, we wanted to keep the atmosphere of the house.

More than a restaurant

We felt truly honored to return to the Bonnier building. Developing the new activity on the ground level was an exciting opportunity.

Torsgatan 21 Tengbom 2015
Photo: Svarteld, Peter Karlsson

The overall concept has something for everyone, regardless of whether you live or work in the block or just happens to be passing by. The idea is that Torsgatan 21, is not only a restaurant but also a meeting place where you can find everything you may need in the way of food during the entire day. Excellent raw materials, outstanding cooking skills and hospitality are basic requirements regardless of whether you choose a croissant from the in-house bakery, a burger on the square or take a rich stew home with you.

Contact person

Kristina Jonasson

Studio Manager Interior Design
+46 708 23 14 33

Malmö Live

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

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

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

Greater contexts

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

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

Malmö Live
Photo: Joakim Lloyd Radoff

Cooperation yields results

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

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

The entire project is a recipe for good collaboration.

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

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

The goal

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

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

From ground level to sky bar

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

Awards and Recognitions

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

Contact person

Josefin Klein

Practice Director Skåne
+46 40 641 31 18

Boquería

Southern European atmosphere in Stockholm
Boquería
Interior Design
Restaurants
Client: Vassa Eggen
Location: Mood Stockholm
Year of commission: 2012
Type of project: Restaurant
Collaborative partners: Kökspennan, KS Projekt, Oscar Liedgren Studio
Areas of expertise: Interior Design, Hotel & Restaurant

In March 2012, the doors opened to Boquería, our restaurant and meeting place in the recently completed MOOD mall. Based on the key words social, honest and warmth, we have created two lively environments where the southern European – primarily Spanish – kitchen has been allowed to inspire the design.

Under the glass roof in the Square, hundreds of people meet every day to enjoy anything from breakfast and lunch to pintxos, cava and music at night. Inside the noisy restaurant, competition for the many tables, warm atmosphere and fantastic food is always fierce. At Boquería, the culinary experiences, the interior design and the atmosphere coexist in an easy harmony.

Relaxed atmosphere and an open kitchen

The two rooms are connected through form and materials but differ when it comes to expression. In the square, we have worked on generating a vibrant indoor market feel, while the restaurant offers a more intimate atmosphere where you can see the chefs at work in the open kitchen. The two spaces together offer balance and choice. Choose the environment you fancy – today. Almost all tables are at standing height with high chairs and sofas, creating a nice and relaxed atmosphere inviting to spontaneous chats between guests. Why not move between the tables or impulsively join the group next to you?

The beautiful A-series chairs have already become Tengbom classics.

More beautiful with age

Every material tells a story, just like the spaces themselves. Stone, ceramics, wood, leather, and various metals — each chosen for its durability and beauty.

With time, they develop a rich patina that deepens the connection to their surroundings. The balance between rough and refined was key, allowing hard materials to feel soft, warm, and inviting.

Attention to detail runs through every part of the design. Trusses, steel columns, light fixtures, and towel racks, all carefully crafted to fit the whole. Even the bar stools carry our signature, designed as part of the A-series for SA Möbler. These elegant chairs, with or without a backrest, have already become a true Tengbom classic.

Contact person

Kristina Jonasson

Studio Manager Interior Design
+46 708 23 14 33