Everybody is talking about creating sustainable societies – but how do we put that into action? Who is to test the innovation and invest in the unproven? Midroc Properties and Wingårdhs arkitektbyrå’s solution stood out among strong competition in Malmö stad’s contest – and soon their sharing embassy vision will become reality.

The UN’s 17 global sustainable development goals
In 2017, the municipality of Malmö organized a land allocation competition, with the criteria that entries would provide ecologically, economically and socially sustainable solutions for the lot.

Together with the architecture firm Wingårdhs, Midroc provided an extensive vision for the lot, with seven different buildings, each taking into consideration the UN Global Goals for sustainable development in Agenda 30.

The solution turned out to be unique in many ways, and Midroc won the competition. The panel of judges’ motivation reads: “…with Fyrtornet at the head… the idea manifests the cosmopolitan Öresund. With courage and confidence and a built-in belief in man’s inner drive, the idea provides perfect conditions for unexpected opportunities.”

A progressive tradition of construction
The architect in charge of designing Fyrtornet is Gustaf Wennerberg, an employee of Wingårdhs since 2011 and a resident of Malmö. He has been involved in the design of several other projects, including Malmö Saluhall, Mall of Scandinavia in Stockholm and Emporia in Malmö.

- With Fyrtornet, we are carrying forward the tradition of progressive construction – a sassy building in a sassy city. This is Sweden’s tallest office building built with solid wood and a climate-friendly foundation, with a focus on the sharing economy.

The challenge of putting the wood in the spotlight
Gustaf Wennerberg is happy about the inviting message of Fyrtornet.

- Fyrtornet is the first building you are met with after stepping off the train from Copenhagen – the first building you meet upon arrival to Sweden! What better way to welcome everyone to Sweden than with a tall, warm, illuminated wooden building?

A challenge with a wooden foundation is actually letting the wood show, Gustaf Wennerberg says.

- We want people to really experience that this is a wooden building. Usually, the frame is wrapped with plasterboard, insulation and various other coverings that hide the fact that it is a wooden building. We wanted to highlight the wooden shell even on the exterior, so that people on the outside, in the square or the station, can experience the spectacular wooden frame.

A meeting place between Emporia and the station
The construction commencement is fast approaching for the empty 55 000 square meter lot between the popular shopping mall Emporia and Hyllie train station. The area will be divided equally into commercial and residential spaces, and Fyrtornet, the building located closest to the square, is the first building to be constructed.

Each property in Embassy of Sharing has one or more social commitments according to the competition entry – with Fyrtornet providing a meeting place for citizen dialogue, democracy development, life-long learning and Agenda 2030.

Business Development Strategist at Midroc and Concept Owner of Embassy of Sharing, Sten Lindquist, suggests that a sustainable future is something we need to build together.

- Fyrtornet is available to anyone who wants to contribute to a better world. You can’t solve current problems with past solutions, so we need to think different, and create the future together.

Local currency a possibility
The process of building a community together with a series of actors from business to culture and researching fields is now in full swing.

- On the drawing board, you find many ideas – from local currency to a combination of business accelerators to research hubs. We will find new ways of thinking about how physical spaces and services can be shared to create liveliness, momentum and unexpected opportunities, Sten Lindquist says.

How they will go about this in practice is still unknown.

- We offer the opportunity to be a part of a unique platform. The content of the platform is decided by the companies, organizations and individuals that contribute to it.

How do you get involved? As an example, he suggests anything from buying an organic fair-trade coffee, to actively contributing in the forums available.

- If you choose to commit to societal issues today, you are forced to choose an issue, a political party or an organization. In Embassy of Sharing, no matter who you are, you are free to help develop ideas for a better future.

Image text: From morning until evening. The lively square by Fyrtornet is a natural meeting place for people of all backgrounds.

A lighthouse to guide us on our future path
Rental Manager Carina Nordborg is the person in charge of filling the office spaces in the property. She looks forward to all the pieces falling into place.

- Besides the fact that Fyrtornet is an entirely unique project, it stands out in its fantastic placement. Stepping off the train platform into Hyllie station, Fyrtornet is the first building you see. Like a lighthouse to guide our path to the future, she says.

- On the exterior, you see a glass façade with solar panels and the exposed wooden frame. On the inside, an incredibly special space, with open floor plans to welcome the public and conservatories where you can sit and work.

She describes Fyrtornet as “innovation, natural materials and a sharing economy – all joined together in a wooden building.”

- It will provide social, economic and ecological sustainability, for the people in it and the environment. Agenda 2030 – here we come!” says Carina Nordborg.

About Embassy of Sharing
Embassy of Sharing is a district comprising seven buildings, each with its own identity, content and concept. The common themes are innovation, sharing economy and sustainability. You can learn more about the project here: embassyofsharing.se

Facts about Fyrtornet

Involved actors: Embassy of Sharing has been designed by Wingårdhs Arkitekter and built and developed by Midroc, in close collaboration with Malmö stad and Altitude Meetings.

Address: Hyllie Boulevard

Planned start of construction: Spring 2021

Roof: Rooftop terrace

Connections: Öresund trains, Pågatåg trains, city buses, regional buses and cycling paths

Basement: Sports depot with bike parking

Total area: 5 400 m2

Floor 1-2: The two bottom floors in Fyrtornet are dedicated to the public and aim to create a safe and welcoming entrance to the entire district.

Floor 3-10: Office space

Number of floors: 11

Balcony: Conservatories

Other: Open landscape for coworking, shared conference rooms, common areas, café, bakery and tapas bar

Parking: Indoor parking lot and outdoor car park

Size of commercial spaces: 130 – 1230 m2

Fyrtornet – a signpost for a sustainable future