Sweco Norway HQ: Community and sustainability in focus
When Sweco Norway set its sights on a new headquarters, it wasn’t just about finding a new space – it was about choosing a neighborhood where the company could make a difference. Grønland became the natural choice, not just for its central location but for the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the community.
From day one, Sweco envisioned more than an office. They aimed to create a place that fosters connection, particularly for children and youth, by hosting events and initiatives that strengthen Grønland’s social fabric.
The new headquarters is designed with Sweco’s “Way of Working” concept, which emphasizes collaboration, focus, and flexibility. This dynamic workplace meets the needs of individuals and teams while prioritizing sustainability. Through resource-efficient solutions, upcycling, and innovative materials, the project integrates environmental responsibility with community and employee well-being.
Project collaboration
Sweco partnered with organizations that shared its vision for synergy, quality, and sustainability.
Interior design firm Krohnark played a critical role in translating Sweco’s vision into tangible concepts. Vivi-Ann Conradi from Sweco stated:
“Cathrine Vonholm and Krohnark have been unique sparring partners for us at Sweco, from the initial leadership discussions about shaping and realizing visions for the new building to the final touches before its opening.”
When it came to implementing these concepts, Cathrine Vonholm of Krohnark remarked:
“Holmris B8 was chosen as the interior partner and project manager due to their unique approach, commitment, understanding of the task, and expertise, especially in social and environmental sustainability. From the beginning, Holmris B8’s focus was on how we could collaborate closer as a team to develop creative and sustainable solutions. They have embraced all challenges and ideas – and how we together could find the very best solutions. Holmris B8 has delivered beyond all expectations.”
Photos: Dag Sandven and Kjetil Gudem
Upcycling and partnerships for social responsibility
Sustainability was a cornerstone of the project, where Holmris B8 facilitated:
- Collaboration with Moving Mamas, a nonprofit supporting immigrant women, to repurpose textiles into new curtains.
- Refurbishing nearly 100 desks with new linoleum tops for extended use.
- 94% reuse of Sweco’s existing furniture from the previous headquarters, either at the new headquarters in Oslo or at other Sweco locations across Norway.
- Partnering with Save the Children to shape the office as a space for youth-focused activities in Grønland.
Additionally, numerous products were developed in collaboration with a number of furniture manufacturers using new innovative materials – for example a six-meter dining table and coffee tables made from wood damaged in a storm, crafted into stunning wooden art by Glomma Drivved AS.
Interior concept: Krohnark
Holmris B8 supplied all loose furniture, upcycled existing furniture, developed new products, and served as a trusted partner and project manager for Sweco throughout the execution phase.
Veksthuset
Photos: Dag Sandven
