Swedish architectural company Reflex creates context, experience and builds identity. Located in Stockholm and Gothenburg, the company has architects, interior designers and engineers. Recently the Swedish architects revitalized Gothenburg city by designing Kineum: a high-rise building that revitalizes and brings new interactions to the second largest city in Sweden.
According to the company, it has a big toolbox. The architects are confident in their creative process and methods, but at the same time happy to explore new areas and approaches. They like to sketch by hand and test their ideas in physical models. “We like it when volume and spatiality emerge with depth before our eyes and we can experience the tactility and properties of materials with our fingertips,” the company’s website states.
Kineum, located in the growing sector of Gårda, adjacent to Gothenburg’s city center, consists of 28 stories of a mixed-use program that holds offices, a hotel, a spa, a gym, a conference facilities, and services, Kineum provides a combination of spaces that promote dynamic progress, interesting encounters, and relaxing getaways.
Reflex architects has realized many concept since its inception in 1999. Reform is the company’s interior design studio – a Reflex brand. The company carries out assignments nationally and internationally.
Kineum in Gothenburg acquires its name from the Greek “kinéo” meaning “to set in motion”. The concept – of House in Motion – is founded on the idea of creating a pulse, vitalizing the area, and engaging people. With the seamless combination and interaction of hotel guests, office workers, and spa visitors; Kineum is perceived as always moving and bustling. The building generates day and night traffic flows that promote better connectivity and services to the area. Furthermore, it improves the perception of security in an office district that would otherwise seem dormant after working hours.
Swedish Architects Revitalize Gothenburg City, article continues below the image.
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Constructed with prefabricated concrete slabs and steel frames, the building’s structure holds a cast-in-place concrete core that provides stability and contains the vertical circulation and installations. This free-plan solution allows for the different types of programs to be easily accommodated and adapted. The surrounding façade is built with prefabricated glass and aluminum X-modules. Its design, reminiscent of a fishing net, is intended to celebrate and embrace the traditions of Gothenburg and its close connection to the sea.
Using BREEAM level Excellent as a guide, the project organization is heavily focused on the optimization of the building’s energy use. Kineum combines its unique façade design with high-performance glazing to minimize the building’s need for cooling and optimize sun blockage. In this way, the energy performance of the building is 25% better than national requirements.
In addition, to reduce the climate impact, the cement content in the concrete was reduced, resulting in a carbon dioxide saving of 200 tons and a climate saving of 39% compared to the use of traditional concrete. Kineum is a celebration of movement and human encounters. It answers the post-pandemic challenge of creating attractive workplaces at a time when people are not expected to work in a conventional office environment. Generating an organic exchange between the city and its people, Kineum is a place where people want to work, meet and stay.
Reflex Architects is constantly expanding its portfolio by adding masterpieces of contemporary Nordic architecture, which it perfectly embodies and represents.
Swedish Architects Revitalize Gothenburg City, text description and images (Anton Adielsson) provided by the architects.