“We are very proud to win Façade of the Year in the new build category. The reused brick that adorns the façade has become a successful example of reuse, in terms of both design and sustainability. As a result of careful handling and high-quality craftsmanship together with BAU, Zengun, Bruksspecialisten and Kovenda, we have managed to preserve the natural patina and shifting shades of the brick, which would be difficult to recreate with new material,” says John McMillen, Project Manager at Fabege.

This is the tenth year that the industry association Mur & Putsföretagen has awarded the prize to recognise beautiful, interesting and sustainable buildings with materials that are characterised by timeless quality, good aesthetics and sustainability.

Jury commendation:
“Originating in neighbouring Denmark, 355,790 bricks have now been reused for a façade. Each brick carries a story and gives the façade an authentic and enduring feel. The large building, with 27,000 square metres of leasable space, has been divided into smaller areas with varying levels of vibrancy, and creates variation in the urban space. The three main entrances to the building are marked by brick pilasters with patterned masonry in relief and deep green and brown terrazzo surrounds. The brick characteristics, which include a long lifespan and minimal need for maintenance, help reduce carbon emissions and the U-values of the façade. Skilled masonry craftsmanship, combined with the teamwork of everyone involved, architect, brick supplier, contractor and a client with a long-term approach to this complex project, have produced a really fantastic result.”

The journey of the bricks:

From Vedstaarup brickworks in 1973 to Solna in 2024

Kvarter 1 in Arenastaden's Haga Norra district has 5,500 square metres of bricks and is currently the largest office building constructed using reused bricks in Sweden.

The bricks have a unique history. According to the markings we noted while carrying out the masonry work, a lot of the bricks were originally produced at the Vedstaarup brickworks in Denmark in 1973, and they were previously used for several buildings in Denmark.

A meeting place of the future

Kvarter 1 is not only an office building, but will also become an important place at which to meet in Haga Norra, Arenastaden's urban district. This is a city neighbourhood where something is happening around the clock, with its carefully selected mix of restaurants, cafés, offices and housing.

Other awards for Haga Norra Kvarter 1

• This year's winner of BREEAM Building 2023 – an award that celebrates buildings that inspire and lead the way in sustainability.
• The property has been provisionally certified with the highest BREEAM-SE rating of 'Outstanding' and is currently one of only ten newly constructed buildings in Sweden to have achieved this high standard.
• The quality award "PQi - Excellent Project Quality," an annual award in the construction and property sector.
• Nominated for Building of the Year 2025 (the winner will be announced on 18 March 2025).

Facts about Haga Norra Kvarter 1
Address: Torfredsplatsen and Mathildatorget in Solna.
Size: 27,000 sqm.
Office tenants: JM, Coor and Randstad.
The office building is home to: Bistro Mathilda, Café Vigor and Joy’s, a SATS gym, conference facilities, a reception, a lounge, atria, an interior design showroom, a bicycle garage a vehicle garage.
General contractor: Zengun.
Architect: BAU – Bureau for Architecture & Urbanism