“This striking red building before you is Pauliska huset. Notice its elegant simplicity. It’s a testament to Gustavian style.”
Pauliska huset stands proudly at Skeppsbron 26 in Stockholm’s Apollo district. Its history stretches back to the 1680s when it was first built. Nicodemus Tessin the Elder designed the original structure. It was intended for councilman Anders Henriksson. At that time it was likely four stories high with a mansard roof.
Over the years Pauliska huset underwent several transformations. In 1769 architect Casper Christian Friese significantly altered the building. The facade you see today facing Skeppsbron dates from this renovation. Further renovations followed in 1882 by architect Gustaf Sällström and again in the 1930s. The foundations were even reinforced in 1981.
You wouldn’t believe the changes this building has seen. During the latter half of the 19th century Gustavian simplicity went out of fashion. People wanted more elaborate detailing. A building permit drawing from February 1883 shows this. It’s fascinating to see how tastes changed. Similar additions were made to the neighboring buildings.
In the 1930s Försäkrings AB Ocean owned Pauliska huset. They wanted to restore the facade to its original 1768 glory. They even submitted an application to Stockholm’s building committee. Their application referenced a drawing by architect O Leijonhufvud. It claimed the drawing closely resembled the 1768 plans.
Today the facade remains largely as it was in 1768. It has five window axes across its width. It has four floors plus a loft. The elegant simplicity speaks for itself. The deep red color contrasts nicely with the lighter gray of the high ground floor. The mansard roof is covered in metal sheeting. Malmegårds Fastighets AB currently owns the building. It is used as office space. Pauliska huset quietly stands as a remarkable survivor. It whispers stories of centuries past. It embodies Stockholm’s rich history and architectural evolution.