Dorte Mandrup design one of the world's largest timber-hybrid structures

Located on Gothenburg’s waterfront in the emerging Lilla Brommen district, Kaj 16 has officially topped out. The new building, designed by Tenderstream member Dorte Mandrup, brings together office spaces, retail, and restaurants in a new neighbourhood set to connect the city to the river. The luminous wooden crown of Kaj 16 will become the unifying hub in the transition between the water and the quay.  

AT 37,500 sq m, Kaj16 is one of the largest timber-hybrid structures in the world. Its distinct three-dimensional shape ensures both optimum use of the natural daylight and shelter from harsh offshore winds. A distinctive wooden crown appears to float above the concrete and glass building beneath. In the upper levels, creative office spaces are situated next to residential units, with balconies and plant boxes creating green outdoor pockets. Large terraces covered by a glass roof draw in natural light, providing opportunities to create greenhouses. 

The ambition to achieve LEED Platinum has affected every facet of the design. Concrete from the existing building is crushed and reused in the new building's base, while recycled glass and natural stone is given new life as a terrazzo coating on the concrete surface. The remaining building is constructed in wood, with columns and beams made from glulam, and floors and walls from cross-laminated timber.

Like a city street, the landscape that forms the building’s foundation will become tied to the surrounding urban spaces, while also acting as a shortcut, creating opportunities for informal and spontaneous meetings. Paths and streets keep the public connections open, even when the building is closed for the night. 

Dorte Mandrup stated: “I am proud that we have succeeded in bringing a sculptural quality to the building’s substantial volume, creating a sustainable project that allows for flexibility over time. The client’s high ambitions have made it possible to challenge some of the common conventions and create a future-proof building of significant architectural value.”

Lucy Nordberg
Tenderstream Head of Research

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