Norstedts – A Historic Publishing House in New Surroundings
Norstedts is Sweden’s oldest publishing house, and the Norstedt Building on Riddarholmen is a well-known landmark for most Stockholm residents. When the 2,000-square-meter premises needed to be renovated, How Arkitekter and Evert Lindelöf were commissioned to create an office where stories come to life.
“I have never worked with such an old building where the same company has been housed the entire time. We wanted to highlight its history while also showcasing the modern Norstedts. This is why stories, play, and books have been given a prominent place. Norstedts is a cultural company that is also forward-thinking. As you move through the premises, you are constantly curious about what comes next!” says Fabian Wanqvist from How Arkitekter.
“This has been a fun, large, and fantastic project with some hectic periods. Watching our new premises take shape in a modern interpretation of the building’s historical legacy has been amazing. The collaboration worked so well and resulted in a modern, historical, and colorful office,” says Christina Ackerdal from Norstedts.
Structure and Flexibility
The building is elongated and has been structured with bookshelves and books to create rhythm. As Norstedts continues to evolve, a flexible layout was necessary. Larger halls alternate with bright, green workspaces, and bookshelves create corridors where small seating areas appear.
The meeting rooms are designed based on characters or authors, allowing visitors to step into worlds belonging to PO Enquist, Alfons Åberg, Pippi Longstocking, and Harry Potter. These small universes are isolated from the rest of the building and stand as independent entities.
“I am particularly fond of the Bergman Room. It features an early 19th-century mahogany table, a genuine rug, a mahogany cabinet, and artifacts related to Ingmar Bergman, such as a wall-hanging wool tapestry reminiscent of Fårö and a 17th-century wooden sculpture that once stood in a church. It’s a rather dark and atmospheric room with views of Gamla Stan and the Riddarhuset. A kind of time capsule,” says Fabian Wanqvist.
Old Furniture Meets New Design
Existing furniture has been combined with vintage and custom-made solutions. Old furniture has been restored, and the office now features a mix of old and new. Auctions and online marketplaces were monitored closely, and the findings contribute to the whimsical themes of the meeting rooms.
Decorative books are almost everywhere, and each piece sparks associations. Over 200 years, Norstedts has published hundreds of thousands of books, which now help create an atmosphere that stimulates imagination.
Attention to Detail and Sustainability
“The interior designer had a vision, and some parts truly required attention to detail,” says Tove Prahl, project manager at Lindelöf. “Take the bookshelves, for example — I’ve never delivered anything like it! The drawings were complex, and fine-tuning was needed on-site, as this is an old building with uneven walls.”
Many employees have not yet experienced the new premises due to remote work, but those who have seen them are very pleased. “I often hear ‘wow’ and ‘stunning.’ I’m very happy and proud. The collaboration has been easy, solution-oriented, and seamless,” says Christina Ackerdal.
“We have had a great collaboration with Lindelöf! I always know what they’re working on and get updates on everything. Tove and I understand each other’s values, aesthetics, and communication. We scanned the entire market and are very happy with our partnership with Lindelöf. We clicked immediately,” says Fabian Wanqvist.
“I’m glad that sustainability has been a central focus in this project. For instance, Norstedts had chairs sent back to the factory for repainting and reupholstering. These 20-year-old chairs can now last another 20 years. The new items we’ve purchased are high-quality and made of natural materials like wood and natural-colored leather that age beautifully. The combination of reused, auctioned, and carefully selected new furniture makes the entire office sustainable,” says Tove Prahl.
Lindelöf is a part of the Holmris B8 group
