THE ARCHITECTS.
Stockholm Continental was designed by the Danish architectural firm 3XN with Kim Herforth Nielsen at the helm. The apartment interiors were designed by Andreas Martin-Löf. Read what they have to say about this special project and the apartments.”A concept and interior design solutions
never before seen in Stockholm”
Andreas Martin-Löf
Architect at AML
Head interior designer
for the Continental Apartments
19 apartments.
Andreas Martin-Löf is the architect who in 2014 won the “Stora formpriset” from Residence magazine, a prestigious prize awarded to leading designers, architects and creative people who have helped make life better and more beautiful. In 2013 he beat the competition to design 19 ultra-modern apartments – the Continental Apartments.
“Of course it’s fantastic to win such an exciting assignment, especially because we were competing with some of Sweden’s most famous architects. I think the reason we won is that we understand both this building and interior design. Simply put, we know how to build and to design interiors, and we have many years of experience of this particular type of project Another great thing is that it looks like essentially all of the ideas we proposed for the interiors will become reality. We are creating 19 apartments with the best possible materials and equipment, each one with fully tailored solutions. For me it’s about an unobtrusive but well-constructed architectonic composition. Elegant lines, marble cut correctly and well-finished details are crucial in a project at this level,” says Andreas.
“The apartments have different floor plans and views of various parts of Stockholm: Tegnérlunden, City Hall, Klara Kyrka, Saltsjön and Riddarfjärden. Some of the apartments have fantastic balconies and roof gardens from which to enjoy the view. At the heart of the project is a shared garden for all of the residents to enjoy. This is a modern building with things like an integrated KNX system to control lighting, the interior climate and sun-shading as a standard feature. The apartments have floor-to-ceiling windows and there are no visible radiators because they all have under-floor heating. There aren’t any unattractive visible ventilation channels either, because almost everything is built into the joist cavity.”
“This type of project represents a big responsibility that we have been entrusted with. We are planning how people will live and it’s important to get everything right. Unlike other interior design projects, like shops and offices, the end results usually remain in place for a very long time. That’s why for me it’s about creating quality and not falling for design trends that will soon be gone.”
“We want to create a
gathering point in the city”
Kim Herforth Nielsen is founder and Creative Director of 3XN, the architectural firm that has designed the building.
“Our vision is for new buildings to always add new and positive qualities to the location where they’re to be built,” says Kim. “This requires a thorough analysis of the area and the surrounding buildings. Our strategy is to always see the project’s complexity and challenges as a positive force for creating something unique.”
“The aim for our proposals for Continental is to create a vibrant building with many functions that make it a natural gathering point in the city. Working on such an important building in Stockholm is an exciting and challenging task. We are basing our design for the building on our desire to show respect and consideration for the urban surroundings. The building is divided into four sections of different heights, giving visitors great views of Sweden’s capital city. The facade has a relief design to provide a different expression depending on which angle it is viewed from. Both the facade materials used and its expression provide clear references to the distinct architecture that characterizes Stockholm.”
“The upper rooftop terrace is full of plant life. The second terrace is for apartment residents. The third terrace from the top is for hotel guests and the next level is the rooftop bar, which also has a fantastic view!”
3XN was formed in Århus in 1986. The breakthrough came with the district courthouse in Holstebro a few years later, and a series of projects around the world followed. 3XN has opened a new head office in the historic cannon boathouses in Holmen, Copenhagen. Now 3XN is working on several new prestigious projects, including the International Olympic Committee’s new headquarters in Lausanne and Quay Quarter Tower in Sydney. But the firm is maintaining its style and legacy.
“We are building on the Scandinavian tradition of clear functionality and simple beauty. For us, every new project is a discovery that adds to our experience and improves the way we approach things.”