Kakelhuset Marievik
Perched on the waterfront in Marievik, Kakelhuset (the Tile House) is a standout piece of postmodern architecture from the 1980s. While rich in character, the building faced challenges in meeting today’s workplace expectations, with low ceilings, small windows, and a ground floor with restricted openness.
- Client
- AMF Fastigheter
- Location
- Marievik, Stockholm
- Project start
- 2024
- Project complete
- 2025
- Photographer
- Walk The Room
- Project size
- 8 000 sqm
- Architect
- Studio Stockholm
Studio Stockholm was brought in as concept architects to refine the identity of the building, unlocking its potential while respecting its original architecture.
With a vision inspired by a dream of the 1980s, the transformation has focused on amplifying Kakelhuset’s most compelling qualities with round shapes and bright neon colors. Larger windows now bring the water into the building, a revitalized atrium floods the interior with natural light, and the ground floor has been reprogrammed into a lively, open space with restaurants and community areas. The result is a warm, playful, and inviting workplace that challenges perceptions of postmodernism.
Challenge
- Bringing in more natural light by overcoming the building’s low ceilings and small windows to create a brighter, more open environment.
- Reactivating the ground floor through transforming the previously closed-off space into a dynamic and welcoming area with social functions.
- Respecting the original architecture while working within a complex structural framework to enhance the building’s strongest features.
Process
- Establishing a strong identity to differentiate Kakelhuset and reinforce its unique character.
- Introducing impactful yet strategic interventions, such as enlarging windows and opening up the atrium, while preserving the elements that worked well.
- Advocating for smart reuse of layouts and materials rather than defaulting to demolition and rebuilding, ensuring a balance between transformation and preservation.
Result
- The transformation highlights the strengths of postmodern architecture, demonstrating how bold 1980s design can be reinterpreted in a contemporary context.
- Carefully selected materials, colors, and lighting create an engaging workspace that fosters both creativity and well-being.
- Art and design collaborations reinforce the building’s unique identity and contribute to its vibrant atmosphere.
