schmidt hammer lassen Designs Mixed-Use Development in Central Stockholm

Written by Eric Oh

Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects has won the international competition to design a new mixed-use development in the heart of Stockholm, Sweden: Hästen 21. The new development will comprise retail, office and residential spaces, creating a “central artery” for the area with a strong visual presence adapted to the history and skyline of the existing city.

By interpreting the characteristics of building volumes and heights in central Stockholm, the building seeks to capture the city’s essence. A modern, glazed façade is framed with natural stone to create a relationship with the adjacent buildings. Following a tradition of city-centre buildings, the corners are rounded.

schmidt hammer lassen Designs Mixed-Use Development in Central Stockholm - Facade, Windows — Courtesy of schmidt hammer lassen architects

The building connects with the city through retail on the lower levels, simultaneously providing new paths through the building and creating shortcuts on the block. The introduction of an entrance plaza and street pocket enhances the integration between building and city, improving the pedestrian experience.

Offices on the upper levels have been designed to maximize natural light, with views to the Stockholm skyline. On multiple levels, tenants can access green-roof terraces as well as meeting and conference rooms. On a separate, vertical volume, the apartments are placed, improving visibility within the city. Balconies facing the street allow residents to enjoy the evening sun.

“The project itself is exceeding the limits of the site to be more as a full urban revitalization of a central area of Stockholm that was not really working on a pedestrian level. Historically, there used to be streets going through and between the buildings at the site, our proposal aims to bring this city life back. We are introducing small passages, shortcuts and pocket parks even at the top of the building. This way, we are creating a new neighbourhood that will be open 24/7 and not just during office hours from Monday to Friday,” explains Kristian Ahlmark, Senior Partner at Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects.

The developers and architects hope to create a building flexible enough to continue to grow with the city of Stockholm over its lifetime, as changes occur in both the urban fabric and in the commercial market.