Strömpilen Visonite

The old timber mill, one of Sweden’s last, became operational in 1927 and produced pulp used for newspapers, through the mechanical grinding of spruce timber. It was closed in 1991. In the late 1990s, Strömpilen’s shopping centre was established on the site, when the building was converted into a shopping centre. However, the space on the second floor, had been vacant for more than ten years before its transformation into creative space for IT company Visionite and manning and recruitment company Professional Nord. Visionite’s new headquarters is designed to build a strong corporate culture and meet employees’ needs for social interaction, complementing the retail area with activities that focus on the wellbeing of employees.

Industrial feeling preserved

The concept was to strip away the existing surfaces to highlight the raw industrial characteristics in the floors, walls, and columns, while also incorporating light and airy additions in a modern industrial style. The lighting has been crucial in accentuating the structure. By focusing on reusing materials where possible, the project contributes to sustainability while giving the building a new lease of life.

Lighting enhances character

The existing factory space, covering 1,700 m², has a ground-level entrance and a larger open plan area on the second floor with an eight-metre ceiling height. The visible concrete structure with columns and roof trusses is prominent, and the large windows are set three metres from the floor. The lighting of the space has been essential in highlighting the framework.

To create workspaces with direct daylight, a horseshoe-shaped entrance floor was designed where all workspaces are located one floor up. Beneath the entrance level, there are areas for meetings, staff facilities, and a relaxation area. In the centre of the space, the full ceiling height is retained, where six-metre-high gable windows let in light, and a wide staircase leads up to the work areas.

Sweco developed the concept for the space followed by the tender documents and construction drawings for the renovation, providing expertise in architecture, design, building service systems, and 3D scanning.

The transformation is an important piece in the development of the area, demonstrating how history and modernity can coexist.

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.