Commission: Major remodelling of Östra Flygeln | Location: Västerhaninge, Sweden | Year: 2018–2020 | Status: Finished | Client: Häringe Fastigheter AB | Photo: Mikael Lundblad
Häringe Slott is a privately owned castle estate half an hour south of Stockholm. Its central manor building was commissioned by Count Gustaf Horn and completed in 1657. Inherited and owned by statesmen and royals for centuries, including kings Gustav Vasa, Johann III and Gustav II Adolf, the estate is perhaps most publicly known for its role as a private residence and celebrity playground in the twentieth century. Industrial entrepreneur Axel Wenner-Gren (founder of Electrolux) acquired Häringe in 1934 together with his American wife Marguerite. Among notable guests of the Wenner-Grens at Häringe were Elizabeth Taylor, Greta Garbo and Josephine Baker.
Today, and since a few decades back, Häringe Slott serves as a hotel and conference center. Guest rooms are located in original wings as well as in subsequent annexes of the main building, which today accommodates the hotel reception, a restaurant and lounge areas.
The structure of Östra flygeln, a separate wing adjacent to the main building entrance, likely dates back to late seventeenth or early eighteenth century. Its interior and spatial layout has been altered numerous times through the years, leaving it a maze of flimsy walls and dropped ceilings. Unfit for guests, the building has served as staff accommodation for years. A major remodelling and technical upgrade was needed and Björn Lundquist Arkitektur was commissioned for the project.
The main objective of the project was to establish five new higher standard hotel rooms within the structure. The design process eventually led to a clarified spatial configuration set around original load-bearing walls while making more logical and efficient use of original fenestration. A new daylit stairwell was introduced, as well as four new dormer windows.
In developing the interior it was important to both relate to key characteristics of the main castle building as well as to underline a subordination suitable for a wing. The age and permanence of the main building is reflected in the use of durable oak and Swedish limestone flooring. Hues and moods of older interiors were reinterpreted and condensed into a simple yet effective color scheme. A rational and consistent system of lining, panelling and moulding is used with slight variations throughout the building. Low windows are visually elevated by extended lining framing a medallion version of the Horn family’s coat of arms. Light fixtures, fittings and interior details, as well as the designs of bespoke desks and closets all aim to complement the more fundamental material and spatial qualities with an air of the carefree Wenner-Gren interwar era.