Beneath the wide canopy roof of Allhuset lies a story of collaboration and architectural vision. Allhuset at Stockholm University is a service building for students, staff, and visitors. Ralph Erskine designed it. It was built between 1979 and 1981.
Allhuset was part of a larger construction project at the university. Erskine also designed the university library, Aktiverum, Juristernas hus, and Aula Magna. Intense discussions shaped Allhuset. The architect, students, and builders were all involved. The original plan was a library with service functions. Erskine chose separate locations for the library and Allhuset. Allhuset connects to the Agricultural Academy’s old museum building. It is now called “Lantis”. This creates a richer service complex.
Initially, Allhuset was to be a right-angled triangle. The building’s architecture became more organic during sketching. Its style resembles Hans Scharoun’s ideas. Some considered its form almost anarchistic. Students appreciated the final result. There was even a plan for a grass-covered roof. Technical and economic limits made it impossible.
Allhuset is triangular. It has three floors and covers 7,200 square meters. The basement is entirely underground. It houses storage and shelters. Lantis and Allhuset together can hold about 1,000 people. Shops and services line an inner street on the entrance level. A café, student union space, and foyer are upstairs. Tommy Widing’s artwork “Nike” is near the upper floor stairs.
Ralph Erskine aimed to create meeting places for people. Allhuset’s design reflects this. Many seats, stairs, and walkways are integrated.
Long overhanging roofs are characteristic of Allhuset. The low-hanging roof point in the north also serves as a roof drain. Erskine favored natural materials and exposed concrete. Allhuset mixes wood panels, glulam beams, and red brick. It also features tile floors, wood wool slabs in the ceilings, and concrete stairs. The east facade and part of the south facade originally had untreated wood panelling. Other facades are clad in red brick with red tinted mortar. The roof consists of wood wool and foam plastic elements on concrete. Its surface layer is cardboard. A fire escape also serves as a speaker’s platform with seating. Erskine respected nature. The building was partially built around a hundred-year-old oak tree.
Allhuset received the Kasper Salin Prize in 1980. The Student Union was among the first buildings designed according to the new university expansion plan. The building includes a restaurant and assembly rooms for students. The Allhuset stands as a testament to innovative design. It also shows the importance of collaboration in creating spaces that serve and inspire.