Studio Stockholm has been working with global investment organisation EQT since 2016 and is today the concept architect for all of EQT’s global offices. Their latest project together is the most ambitious to date – the design and development of EQT’s new 5,800 square-metre headquarters. No expense was spared on this international showpiece, representing one of Northern Europe’s first private equity firms. The premises were re-designed from scratch, with meticulous attention to detail and only the finest, high quality natural materials were used. These raw materials were then handcrafted and refined into more advanced forms, in a concept that mirrors EQT’s role of refining and transforming companies. This growing company’s headquarters exude a professionalism and timelessness that is symbolic of EQT’s long-term approach when it comes to its investments.
Challenge
Create a design concept based on EQT’s shift towards more transparency and openness, by removing silos within the company and having a more flexible and open way of working
Design premises that live up to EQT’s professionalism, impeccable level of service and long-term perspective when purchasing and refining companies
Create an international concept suitable for EQT’s global clients and teams that exudes stability and success
Interpret the right mood aesthetically while ensuring high functionality and a very high level of security
Process
Studio Stockholm was involved in every step of this project from helping with the selection of premises to analysing employee needs and sourcing specialists
Close work with an EQT steering group, the property owners and numerous specialists, from acoustics and lighting experts to catering consultants and security experts
Weekly on-site visits were conducted during the more than one-year process to inspect and ensure top quality
Everything was specially designed, from the massive oak ceiling with its sophisticated lighting and invisible acoustics to an eleven-metre conference table, which had to be lifted onto the top floor by a crane through EQT’s terrace
Only the finest natural materials were used, including solid oak, terrazzo stone, glass and leather, which were refined to ensure they age with dignity
Extremely accurate 3D visualisation was used at an early stage to get the property owner and everyone else in the project on board with each detail
Result
Support functions are gathered in the middle of the premises, surrounded by open lounges and workspaces that become successively more transparent towards the façade
Silos have been removed and employees are working over borders with one single culture, due to the dynamics of a more open physical space
Employees are extremely pleased and proud of their new office
Studio Stockholm has produced a new brand manual for building or remodelling EQT’s other offices worldwide and will apply the new way of working to EQT’s international sites in America, Europe and Asia
In addition to designing EQT’s head office, Studio Stockholm has designed EQT’s Luxembourg and Singapore offices and is currently working on the Madrid and Paris offices
Everything was delivered on time and within the budget set by Studio Stockholm two and a half years prior to moving in