STENA PROPERTY RENOVATES FORMER TRICOT FACTORY
SUSTAINABILITY IN FOCUS
In the middle of Malmö, and next to the Möllevångstorget square and its bustling urban life, we find a building that belongs to Sweden's textile history – Trikåfabriken (The tricot factory). Stena Property is now renovating the property, with the goal of once again filling the factory's premises with creative companies that contribute to the city's further development.
During a large part of the 20th century, the clatter of sewing machines could be heard from the factory. Hundreds of women worked here sewing children’s clothes, underwear and swimsuits. In the 1980s, the business was shut down, and during the 2000s, several creative entrepreneurs – ranging from consulting firms to filmmakers – worked side by side in the building.
SUSTAINABILITY IN FOCUS DURING RENOVATION
In 2021, the more than 100-year-old building is now undergoing a carefully considered renovation, to create the sustainable offices of the future.
“The tricot factory project is unique in so many ways,” says Unni Sollbe, Managing Director, Stena Property Malmö. “On one hand, we’re letting the history of the property play the most influential role in the design of the new, and on the other hand, we’re letting sustainability permeate all processes in the renovation. We are a long-term property owner, and what could be more long-term and sustainable than reusing old industrial buildings and creating offices and meeting places for future ventures?”
Sofia Lagerblad, Business Developer, Stena Property, Malmö. The exterior of the building. Unni Solbe, MD, Stena Property, Malmö.
HOW DO WE NOTICE THAT SUSTAINABILITY IS CHARACTERIZING THE RENOVATION?
Sofia Lagerblad is Business Developer at Stena Property and says that the company is committed to social, economic and environmental sustainability in its planning.
“Inside, we’ve worked to preserve and restore the building’s unique industrial character. But with the outdoor environment, we’ve chosen to complement the building with rooftop terraces, greenery, lighting, seating and even ping pong tables to attract spontaneous meetings. During the course of the project, we’ve established a number of valuable collaborative projects, including with the E.ON electric utility. This has resulted in a climate-positive energy solution that also contributes to reducing the city’s power peaks. Collaboration with local contractors has enabled us to refurbish existing materials and components instead of buying new ones. Looking to the future, we’re working together with the city of Malmö to launch a number of activities in the nearby area to create a sense of security.”
In working with the old tricot factory, Stena Property is also challenging traditional office design.
“We’re doing this, in among other ways, by offering a variety of room sizes and giving our tenants the opportunity to sublet space. With digital aids, we want to stimulate even more exchanges of services and functions among our tenants,” Sofia says.
The renovation of the factory is included in a research project, which entails that it will be one of Sweden’s first climate-engineered renovation projects. In this way, the project is also contributing to the industry’s knowledge in sustainable renovation.
HISTORY The Tricot factory block, adjoining the bustling square Möllevångstorget in Malmö, has a long history in the textile industry and has also been home to many other businesses, ranging from a chocolates manufacturer and bakery to a rubber factory. Mazetti choklad, Påhlssons Bröd (later Pågen), Ryska gummifabriken and Scania were once all gathered in the same area.
A PLACE FOR CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS
The tricot factory is a part of Malmö’s and Sweden’s history. A history that Stena Property wants to preserve – at the same time it wants to prepare the property for the future. Together with other companies and city government, Stena Property is strengthening the neighborhood around Möllevångstorget – as a place for creative companies.
“We’re happy that Anagram, the production company behind several well-known Swedish TV series, has chosen to move into the old factory,” says Unni Sollbe, Managing Director, Stena Property Malmö. “One of their office neighbors will be FOJAB Arkitekter, which has been responsible for all aspects of the renovation design.”
