Stockholm architecture firm Joliark converts historic brewery into a light-filled headquarters for Octapharma Read more: Stockholm architecture firm Joliark converts historic brewery into a light-filled headquarters for Octapharma | Inhabitat - Su

A complete transformation that provides a new home for Octapharma Company featuring glass-walled office.

The Switzerland-based healthcare company Octapharma debuted its sweet new Nordic headquarters in the Western Kungsholmen district of Stockholm. The company has been spilling out of its old Stockholm premises, prompting the purchase of the Great Brewery building next door, which Stockholm architecture firm Joliark repurposed into a gorgeous glass-walled company office.

The brewery was built in the 1890s and experienced its heyday between 1895 and 1910 before going bankrupt. The brick-and-wood structure has been used in a variety of ways since then, but was left in disrepair until Octapharma purchased it in 2009. Today, the building has a blue plaque heritage listing for its cultural and historic value.

The original brewery was largely constructed of wood, which isn’t suitable for the production of Octapharma medicines. The company instead decided to refashion the building into its new Nordic headquarters. In addition to offices, the transformed brewery houses function and meeting spaces, conference rooms, changing areas and a restaurant.

In cooperation with Stockholm’s planning authorities and the Stockholm City Museum, Joliark transformed one wall into daylight-drawing glass. Inside, original wood beams contrast with white walls, creating bright and airy spaces. The renovation focused on long-lasting and sustainable materials and chose reuse whenever possible.