Balder acquired the old architecture school from Akademiska Hus in 2019 and has managed the building since. The idea for the expansion has been around for several years and the project A wing is now being realised.

The expansion takes place on the site where the fire-ravaged studio was previously located and has been designed with great consideration for the building's history and existing character. A wing is built in wood, with a glass facade and a copper roof. The premises will be built on top of the existing restaurant and brewery, in one floor with up to 6 meters in ceiling height.

"The building is unique in many ways, and it is with great respect for the building's importance and history that we took on this project. We are very pleased with the result and how the architecture creates a strong expression while also connecting to the house. It will be a very nice addition to the current cityscape," says Mathias Holm, project manager at Balder.

A wing has been designed by Mia Hägg, together with 2BK Arkitekter who were also responsible for the previous reconstruction of A house. Mia is the founder of the architecture office Habiter Autrement in Switzerland and has participated in the creation of several internationally recognized projects, including Beijing's National Stadium "The Bird's Nest" during her time at Herzog & de Meuron.

"With A wing, we sought to follow the scale of the existing building, while at the same time introducing a softer, perhaps more fluid element. The fan-shaped roof spreads over the existing concrete block walls, which are being restored to their original height, and gathers the irregular plan into a cohesive yet varied space. Generous daylight and extended views open towards the courtyard, the topography of the Engelbrekt Church, and the city," says Mia Hägg.

"For several years, we have worked on a careful transformation of these unique premises, from a school to a creative and multifunctional house. A process where every measure is based on the building's conditions and the requirements of the new operations. A wing now forms the final part, a playful architectural addition that ties the whole together," says Per Kraft at 2BK Arkitekter.

The name A wing refers to the fan-like shape of the roof and A house which is the name of the current building and suggests the origin of the house as an architecture college. A house houses creative businesses with a focus on fashion, food, media and music.

The general contractor is BRA Bygg, which has several complex wood projects in its repertoire. Completion is planned for summer 2026.

For further information, please contact:
Eva Jonasson, Media relations, tel. +46 (0)31-10 79 44, eva.jonasson@balder.se
Per Kraft, 2BK Arkitekter, tel. +46 (0)70-886 61 39, per.kraft@2bka.se
Mia Hägg, Habiter Autrement SA, mhagg@habiterautrement.net