Jernhusen
Can an office be created using 100% circular materials? This ambitious challenge was undertaken by Studio Stockholm when the Swedish property company Jernhusen decided to relocate its headquarters.
- Client
- Jernhusen
- Project size
- 2000
- Photographer
- Per Kristiansen
Together, they embarked on a journey to develop one of Sweden’s most groundbreaking reuse projects, redefining the boundaries of sustainable design. Every detail was meticulously curated – from sourcing furniture at second-hand shops to adorning pillars with discarded tiles and enhancing the reception area with a restored ticket booth. Reuse was implemented to such an extent that even demolition workers used magnetic sensors to find and reclaim screws.
When Jernhusen’s employees moved into their new headquarters, it symbolized a pioneering step in sustainable design, demonstrating the possibilities of pushing traditional design limits towards achieving full circularity.
Challenge
- Managing the complexity of reusing materials extensively, which required detailed planning, creative problem-solving, and innovative solutions to avoid transporting items over long distances.
- Balancing design aesthetics with sustainability goals. This included finding ways to incorporate unconventional materials, such as compressed old clothes for desk surfaces.
- Creating a modern, activity-based headquarters that supports Jernhusen’s culture and truly reflects their brand and identity, while ensuring every decision minimizes its carbon footprint.
Process
- Close collaboration with Jernhusen, project managers, and stakeholders facilitated a flexible process with rapid decision-making, essential to handle a complex reuse process.
- Integrating historical elements, such as an old ticket counter from Hallsberg, was carefully restored to add unique character and connect the design to Jernhusen’s heritage.
- Designing materials and installations for easy disassembly and future reuse, like demountable gypsum walls and enhanced sound insulation, to ensure a long-term sustainable approach.
Result
- The headquarters serves as a living example of sustainable design, inspiring both Jernhusen’s employees and future projects focused on reuse.
- The new office not only significantly reduces Jernhusen’s climate impact but also physically embodies their brand, aligning with their strategic vision.
- A functional and inspiring workspace that supports both individual and collaborative work, demonstrating how businesses can embed sustainability into their core operations.
