Located between the Karolinska University Hospital and the old Stockholm city hospital, the new development has become a part of the Hagastaden district and will play a crucial role in the development of world-class research in health, life science and treatment. The new centre also aims to attract new talent by offering exciting opportunities in the field.
The 24,000m² building will be home to office spaces, publicly accessible restaurants and cafes, as well as an interactive exhibition area, designed to be catalysts for a new life in the district.
Sustainability, health and climate consideration featured within every element of the building’s design. This has enabled it to achieve the world’s most widely used green building rating system, LEED (the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification.
To meet this standard, 3XN, selected tactile, natural materials with a low carbon impact, including Accoya wooden slats for the building’s dynamic façade. Accoya wood has been Cradle to Cradle Certified Gold for its circular economy benefits. The wood’s durability, supported by its 50-year above-ground warranty, reduces the need for early replacement, thus keeping carbon sequestered for longer and protecting forest resources.
In addition to this, the design of Forskaren utilises solar panels and underground thermal energy stores which will help to maintain a comfortable climate while also minimising the building’s operational carbon.
“Forskaren embodies a commitment to reducing its ecological footprint and preserving the natural beauty of its surroundings,” said Jan Ammundsen, partner in charge and senior partner at 3XN. “The ethos behind the design is rooted in a deep appreciation for Swedish heritage and culture. By incorporating tactile materials, natural light, and inviting spaces, Forskaren creates an environment that celebrates the intersection of tradition and innovation, inspiring future generations to embrace the possibilities of health and life sciences.
“The choice of Accoya wood aligned harmoniously with our sustainability objectives. Having used Accoya wood previously, we knew that it was highly durable and required little maintenance. It also complimented our overall vision to craft a building that was open, inviting and easy to navigate.”
“At Accsys, we’re extremely passionate about providing architects with high-performance, sustainable, wood to bring their visions to life,” said Justin Peckham, head of sales UK and Ireland at Accsys Technologies. “The Forskaren building is a fantastic example of this – it is not only a remarkable building to look at but has been designed with the future of our planet at its core.
“Every design choice has been made with extreme care; from the shape of the building which creates an inviting space for the community, to the building’s biophilic exterior that provides synergy with its natural surroundings.”
“CEOS is proud to have been involved in the construction of such an iconic building in our capital city,” said Hampus Dahlin, strategic purchaser at CEOS Fritzoe, distributor of Accoya wood. “A project of this scale does come with its complexities due to the number of companies involved in the supply chain but from the outset, we worked closely with Accsys and the main contractors to ensure smooth delivery of Accoya and the result is something that all involved can be very pleased with.”
