Background
With an area of 7,800 m² and a strategic location adjacent to the E4 highway, Stommen Group has developed a vision for its new headquarters that goes beyond the conventional. The goal has been to create Sweden’s best workplace and meeting space—a place that embodies innovation, community, and optimism for the future. Every detail, including the sound environment, has been meticulously designed to inspire and motivate.
Assignment
To bring the vision of Sweden’s best workplace to life, Efterklang was tasked with creating a creative and functional sound design for the new headquarters. The sound design was identified as a key component in realizing this ambitious vision – an exciting challenge given the impressive scale and volume of the office. Meeting these high demands required both technical expertise and creative excellence.
Result
Efterklang’s ambition was to give sound the same level of thoughtful consideration and prominence as the interior design. The soundscapes were therefore tailored to each specific space and purpose, while maintaining a cohesive theme – creating a harmonious and dynamic balance.
Entrance
The entrance and lobby serve as a gateway between outdoors and indoors – the first and last environments visitors encounter, making it particularly important to nurture. To create an inviting first impression, we designed an atmosphere that blends modernity with warmth. A carefully curated instrumental playlist with the pulse of global metropolises sets the tone, chosen to spark curiosity and anticipation for the experiences awaiting within the building, with adjustments in tempo and intensity to align with the rhythm of the day.
Lounges / Social areas
Creating the right atmosphere is the foundation of all interior design, and the sound design serves the same purpose: to immerse visitors in an environment that is comfortable, functional, and inviting. In these spaces, the ambiance is complemented by a soft lounge playlist that is subtly interwoven with soundscapes from cafés and the dynamic rhythm of city life. The result is a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere where conversations and social interactions can flow naturally and effortlessly.
Meeting rooms
Different meetings call for different atmospheres. At times, an energy boost is needed in the final hour or to kickstart an early morning. Other times, it is essential to begin by slowing down, reducing stress, and fostering focus. To enable participants to tailor their experience, we have developed sound productions that make this possible.
Atrium and terrace
Nature is an important source of inspiration for Stommen’s offices, so the sound design in these areas has been created to enhance that connection. By using authentic recordings from nearby natural environments, we have crafted a unique auditory landscape that reflects Stommen’s affinity for nature, which in turn contributes to a calming and stimulating atmosphere.
Showroom
In the office’s dedicated exhibition space, we have installed audio technology that enables Stommen to enhance specific displays and events with sound.
Restroom cluster
On selected restrooms, we have created surprising and inspiring sound experiences. The sound is activated when the visitor locks the door. This not only creates an unexpected and fun experience; it also provides privacy, which is desirable in modern offices where restrooms are often located near workspaces.
As an extension of the sound design, Efterklang also developed scent design for the office, enhancing the overall sensory experience. The combination of sound and scent creates a subtle yet powerful effect where sensory impressions interact, contributing to an environment that is both memorable and unique.
The result of Efterklang’s work has embedded sound and scent design as fundamental elements of Stommen HQ’s identity and function, transforming the office into a benchmark for innovative and forward-thinking work environments.
