SKF huvudkontor

An office transformation where the existing takes on new values

Sustainability has been a given for the work on the new group headquarters. Managing an existing building instead of constructing a new one, and instead working on space and energy efficiency was part of that process. High reuse of building materials, low energy use throughout the project and focus on biodiversity are examples that place the building at the top among the most sustainable in Sweden.

Circular thinking has permeated the construction process and the retained frame contributes greatly to reducing the climate footprint. A full 88 percent of all construction and demolition waste is recycled and great effort has been put into opportunities to make energy use more efficient in the building. Solar panels on the roof, an environmentally friendly ventilation system, purchasing green electricity and eco-labeled district heating are examples of measures that reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 77 percent.

The assignment was characterized, in addition to the ambitious sustainability goals, by transforming the building into an inviting and safe structure while at the same time adding new values such as transparency and openness. Space, light and views towards greenery characterize the activity-based office.

Repurposed interior in sober colors

In the entrance, employees and visitors are greeted by space and light, which flows in through the skylights and the generous window areas. The color scheme is taken from SKF’s own color palette but is also intended to connect with nature and the surrounding area, where they have been interpreted based on a sober color scale. The gray limestone floor leads to the reception desk, which is clad in a pine ribbed panel. The ribbed panel is also found in the cafe interior and as acoustic elements in the building. Behind the reception, a solid staircase made of larch logs leads up to the upper floors where office space, conference rooms, touch-down areas, a cafe and a bistro are located.

The rooms are adorned with brick, honey, blue and green colours. The existing concrete walls and pillars are painted in matt white, while the other walls are painted in a sandy beige colour and the ceiling has a variation of graphite grey and white. The furniture has been carefully evaluated and selected from Nordic producers. The palette of furniture creates a coordinated stimulating environment and an activity-based office.

A landscape of precision and geometry

The 1.5-hectare entrance park conveys SKF’s identity around precision and geometry. The large-scale entrance area’s stripped-down and controlled simplicity is maintained by having the car parks arranged to the side and hidden behind the terrain and tight, trimmed plantings.

The lines of the facility are emphasized by plantings of American bog oak. The distinctively geometrically shaped grass banks are set against granite walls and surfaces of coarse crushed granite – a material that recurs in various roles and is allowed to contrast with the building’s glazed entrance. The facility’s square space is cut by a transverse axis that starts from the double-direction staircase and extends out towards the Säveån River.