Built in 1927-1928 Havrekvarnen stands proudly. It’s a testament to Swedish architectural ingenuity. This remarkable structure on Kvarnholmen island is more than just a building. It’s a symbol of a bygone era. Havrekvarnen was one of the first functionalist industrial buildings in Sweden. Architect Artur von Schmalensee designed it. He worked at the Kooperativa Forbundets architectural office. The building’s design was groundbreaking. For the first time function was visible on the exterior. It wasn’t hidden behind a facade.
Havrekvarnen is a five-story marvel. Each floor boasts 459 square meters. Concrete pillars and beams form its sturdy exterior. The interior is equally impressive. It has a concrete frame supported by more pillars and beams. Fifteen silos once stood on its western side. Six were slated for demolition. Nine original silos remain. This is a testament to careful planning. A detailed plan protects Havrekvarnen. It prohibits demolition and ensures facade preservation.
Havrekvarnen’s history is deeply entwined with the Kooperativa Forbundet. This cooperative took over Kvarnen Tre Kronor in 1922. They invested heavily in expanding their operations on Kvarnholmen. Havrekvarnen became a central part of this expansion. Oats were processed here. Modern products like cornflakes were also made here. The building’s innovative design and functionality played a significant role in making Havrekvarnen a success. It’s considered a landmark in Swedish architectural and construction history.
Sadly Havrekvarnen fell into disrepair. It stood empty from the early 1980s. Water damage was severe. Reinforcement rusted. Concrete crumbled. The structure was at risk of collapse. Renovation seemed impossible. Meeting modern safety standards would have altered its character. A unique solution was adopted. Demolition of this protected building was approved. This allowed a precise replica to be built.
The reconstruction was meticulous. The supporting framework is cast-in-place concrete. This mimicked the original structure’s dimensions. New insulating gas concrete was added to the exterior. This improved the indoor climate and fire safety. The windows were carefully restored. They look just as they did originally. Metal window arches and teak moldings are intact. The interior and color scheme match the 1928 original. Open floor plans and visible beams add to the building’s character. Even the old sprinkler system was restored. It was carefully taken apart cleaned and repainted. Then it was reassembled. It now hangs as an architectural detail. The reconstruction included some original production equipment. It serves as a reminder of Havrekvarnen’s past.
Havrekvarnen’s reconstruction was completed in spring 2023. It was officially reopened in September of that year. Tilia Fastigheter owns the building. Future use is still undecided. Office space or some type of cultural use is planned. Havrekvarnen’s future is bright. It will remain a vibrant part of Nacka’s architectural landscape. It stands as a symbol of preservation and architectural heritage. A fitting tribute to a pioneering building.