Hotel Blique by Nobis

The doors to Hotel Blique opened in the spring of 2019. With its welcoming courtyard, the hotel is located in the emerging district of Hagastaden in central Stockholm. The site previously housed offices and was designed for the Swedish company Philips and its radio and lighting operations, when it was built in the 1930s. The assignment is the result of winning a competition, where Sweco proposed that the building, by then on the decline, should be transformed into a hotel and commercial space instead of remaining as offices.

The architectural concept honours the design and spirit of the original building

The building was originally designed by the architect Sigurd Lewerentz and the vision was to open up the site and make it a more public space as well as to create an attractive and timeless hotel. Of importance in the architectural concept, was to honour and recreate the design and spirit that Lewerentz intended with the original building, while at the same time using it for different purposes and fulfilling modern requirements. For example, the different levels of the inner yard have been connected using stairs, to create space for restaurants and the hotel lobby. The building located by the yard has been extended, with hotel rooms on two floors and a roof terrace open to all.

Sustainability a prerequisite

Sustainability has been a prerequisite throughout the project. Windows are preserved, meaning only the glass has been replaced for energy efficiency purposes, and the selection of materials has been based on environmental criteria. Glass partitions and railings are inspired by the original elements and the details have been designed with loving care. The history of the building is highlighted by exposing the raw concrete and leaving the sawn surfaces of the joists visible in the lobby.

Close collaboration with experts

Redeveloping a building from different eras that has also changed during the passage of time, is a complicated task and to achieve optimal results, the architects have been responsive to cultivating the property’s original character. Close collaboration between different stakeholders and experts with various specialisms has also been of great significance. Throughout the process, Sweco has been fastidious with the details, something that the client has been very grateful for, since it made a huge difference to the end result.

In addition to the architects, other Sweco experts have contributed, such as designers, building conservation specialists and surveyors. For Sweco’s building conservation specialists, the assignment has meant helping to ensure compliance with building regulations and that the redevelopment is carried out with due care in relation to cultural values.

Ensuring sustainable development while respecting cultural heritage

Sweco offers expertise in transformation architecture by blending historical preservation with modern design.

With a multidisciplinary team, Sweco can provide tailored solutions that balance functional requirements with the unique characteristics of each site, fostering a respectful relationship between existing structures and new developments.

Read more about Sweco’s offer within transformation architecture.