Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects has won the international competition to design Hästen 21, a 43,000m2 development in central Stockholm, Sweden. In collaboration with Pembroke Real Estate the project comprises of retail, office space and housing in a complex designed with respect for the city’s history and skyline. The design transforms the site into a central artery, with a strong visual appearance and an opening of the block, it will become a flagship for the Stockholm vision – creating a closely knitted city, rich in experience and atmosphere.

areal view in the setting

The new building complex will comprise of a combination of diverse retail, office space, and city centre apartments to ensure a vibrant and lively city environment. The architecture captures the essence of inner Stockholm, by interpreting the characteristics of the Stockholm volumes and heights, and adds a new and unique architectural expression. The modern open glazed facade framed with light natural stone, and the setbacks of the volume ensure a relationship with the adjacent buildings. The rounded corners set the building within a tradition of classic city centre masterpieces.

view from the street 

“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.

Hästen 21 covers 43,000m2 area with residential units, retails and offices

The retail areas at the lower levels that connect to the city, present a unique opportunity for branding premium shops and create superior customer experiences, by connecting the levels and providing new alleys through the building that create shortcuts through the block. Furthermore, the introduction of new urban spaces – the entrance plaza and the street pocket – enhance the integration between the building and the city and offer new public experiences of high urban quality.

facades are emphasized by undulating form + full transparency

The office layout is designed to facilitate maximum daylight and create fantastic views of the Stockholm skyline, without compromising the functionality. At multiple levels, the tenants have access to outdoor areas on green roof terraces and all the benefits from the shared business foyer with meeting and conference facilities. The apartments are placed in their own vertical part of the building, so it becomes visible in the city and has balconies towards the street, where the residents can enjoy the evening sun that is so special for the Scandinavian countries.

some vertical wood panels and glasses make the facade more fuzzy and blurred

“We wish to create a building wherein the various components are going to create a unique dynamic based on different degrees of social interaction. As a vivid cross-section of the city with its residents, passers-by, diners, shoppers, tourists, and people at work,” concludes Kristian Ahlmark.

the strips divide the facade of the building as both structural and visual element 

Hästen 21 is designed to be strong and flexible enough to go through a future dialogue process to add value to the future vision of the city of Stockholm, as well as changes and new trends in the commercial market.

entrance to the retail area -presents full transparency 

office interior view

residential interior view

public space is emphasized with undulating wooden ceiling

roofscape with green gardens

access diagram

facade lines diagram

green terracing

program

site plan

ground floor plan

office plan

site plan with pavement

north elevation

greenery section

south elevation

west elevation

Project Facts

Architect: Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects

Client: Pembroke Real Estate

Area: 43,128 m2

Engineers: Tyréns AB (structural engineer), PO Andersson AB (mechanical engineer), Mats Ström berg Ing. Byrå AB (electrical engineer), Brandkonsulten AB (fire consultant), HissKonsulterna (elevator consultant), SWECO (LEED consultant), Forsen Project AB (project manager).

Landscape Architect: Kristine Jensens Tegnestue

all images courtesy of Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects

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