Instrumentet 17 – Building on Örnsberg’s Industrial Heritage
Instrumentet 17 builds on Örnsberg’s industrial heritage, demonstrating how existing qualities can form the foundation for a new and vibrant urban environment. By carefully transforming and complementing the existing block with housing, a preschool, commercial spaces and shared green areas, the project creates a new whole where cultural heritage values are preserved while giving the site new life and long-term value.
Instrumentet 17 in Örnsberg is being transformed from a former industrial and commercial site into a vibrant, mixed-use urban environment with housing, a preschool, commercial premises and shared courtyard spaces. The project builds on the site’s existing qualities and cultural heritage, with a strong ambition to preserve, reuse and carefully develop the existing structures.
The block comprises two existing buildings of cultural and historical value. The main building along Jakobsdalsvägen was constructed in 1946 for industrial and manufacturing purposes and is characterised by its rational concrete structure, generous ceiling heights, abundant daylight and carefully crafted details. The building is converted into housing and a preschool while its industrial character is preserved and highlighted. The existing brick commercial building is retained in its entirety.
A new layer of townhouses is added on top of the main building, carefully set back from the street to ensure that the original structure remains clearly legible. The townhouses feature generous south-facing roof terraces and an architectural expression that relates to the existing industrial building. A new residential building with a communal space at entrance level is also introduced within the courtyard.
A central element of the project is the green shared courtyard, designed for both residents and the preschool and providing spaces for play, gardening, relaxation and social interaction.
Throughout the project, the design is based on a respectful dialogue between old and new. New additions draw inspiration from the area’s industrial architecture through materials, colours, proportions and details. In this way, Instrumentet 17 is given a new use and identity while allowing the site’s history and character to live on.
