Background
The Stockholm Chamber of Commerce is an independent business organization that gathers decision-makers from the business and political spheres in a unique arena. Their activities are diverse and have special needs that are not normally combined in an office space. Therefore, the headquarters have been designed with a consistent focus on good acoustics.
Assignment
Efterklang was commissioned by AMF Fastigheter to plan the acoustic environment for the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce’s headquarters. The office entrance opens into an inviting atmosphere, where a café and lounge area welcome visitors. This outer part of the office not only serves as a relaxed meeting place but also houses meeting rooms and a sound studio. The versatile studio, which meets both internal needs for sound production and offers rental for podcast recording, adds a dynamic dimension to the office’s operations.
From the lounge, the path leads to an inner part of the office, where an event area with grandstands is located. This space is intended for seminars and TV broadcasts with a beautiful view of Hamngatan in the heart of Stockholm. To ensure that these activities can proceed uninterrupted and without disturbing the café or other nearby office areas, sound-insulating and room acoustic measures have been carefully planned.
The inner part of the office is designed to accommodate different work styles and needs. Open environments combined with offices, focus areas, and focus rooms create a flexible workspace. At the same time, there are individual offices and office spaces with confidentiality requirements to meet varying work needs and confidentiality requirements.
The building has floor-to-ceiling windows that create a bright and spacious working environment. Therefore, acoustic measures have been adapted to meet this ambition, with emphasis placed on integrating sound absorption into wall panels and carefully considering the choice of carpets and floor coverings. Additional bass absorbers above the ceiling allow for maximizing ceiling height, and visible painted installations give a sober impression.
Result
The Stockholm Chamber of Commerce is satisfied with the acoustic environment of their new headquarters. The office was nominated for Sweden’s most stylish office in 2023.
Images: Åke E:son Lindman, Lindman Photography for SandellSandberg
