A New Era for iZettle and PayPal in Stockholm
When the Swedish payment solutions company iZettle was acquired by American PayPal, the need arose to find a new office in Stockholm where two companies, cultures, and worlds could seamlessly converge. Establishing 700 workspaces in Europahuset on Regeringsgatan required meticulous planning, style-conscious architects, and extensive attention to materials and furnishings.
Today, the office is complete, and at Regeringsgatan, Scandinavian furniture meets raw concrete and American warmth. The design, crafted by Vida Arkitektkontor, reflects this blend, and we at Lindelöf are proud to have contributed our expertise in materials and furniture.
Focus on Materials and Culture
In the new office, the focus is on raw materials, with concrete ceilings and floors complemented by stainless steel shelves and pantries. To soften the industrial look, the architects from Vida integrated ash wood cladding on select walls and doors. The intersection of the two companies, countries, and cultures is evident but not overstated.
The American influence shines through in the warmth of the design and the open floor plan, reminiscent of the latest trends in office design embraced by tech giants like Facebook and Google in Silicon Valley.
“There was also a desire to bring urban elements indoors, and this is where the rawness plays a role. American culture is young, and raw materials from the street create a sense of connection to the city,” explains Leo, chief architect at Vida.
Symbolism in the Staircase
Two internal staircases, serving as the heart of the office, carry special symbolic value. These staircases represent the intersection of Swedish iZettle and American PayPal. Painted in a bold “PayPal blue” and clad in blue valchromat, they highlight the rebranded identity of Zettle by PayPal.
“It was important for PayPal to leave their mark on the office while still allowing iZettle to maintain its identity. Many of the decision-makers for the project were based in the US, so much of the direction came from PayPal’s headquarters. The finished concept is clear: Zettle by PayPal,” says Hanna Ekstrand from Lindelöf.
Raw, Warm, and Thoughtful Design
The architects at Vida envisioned an environment that was raw and contemporary yet warm and inviting, blending Swedish and American design elements. The warmth was essential, not only to reflect the American influence but also to foster a welcoming atmosphere that feels far removed from a traditional, uninspiring office. Instead, the office was designed to encourage interaction and a sense of community.
“We wanted to create an office that felt modern, homely, and current, connecting Swedish and American influences. At the same time, it was important that the space was practical and durable. Things shouldn’t break but should withstand wear and evolve over time,” says Leo, chief architect at Vida.
Unique Details
Designing and furnishing an office with 700 workspaces presents the risk of creating a space that feels impersonal or sterile. To counter this, unique and personalized details were incorporated into the design.
“We developed several unique elements for the decor, which were sometimes challenging. For example, I had to make countless calls to find a specific zipper for a custom-designed cable cover that matched the desk screens. The order even had to be placed in German! But it worked out, and the result was fantastic,” shares Hanna Ekstrand from Lindelöf.
Collaboration and Success
“We are so pleased to have had Lindelöf on this journey. The collaboration was highly effective, and they were an incredible support throughout this complex project. Whenever something needed to be addressed, it was resolved quickly, and they guided us whenever we risked going off course,” says Leo, chief architect at Vida.
Lindelöf is a part of the Holmris B8 group
