Carlanderska Hospital

Where new meets old. By echoing the original plans from 1917, the design of Carlanderska Hospital respects the well-known atmosphere and expression of the landmark building, yet has its own unique character.

New meets old

Carlanderska Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden, has been providing specialist healthcare to public and private patients since 1927. The much-needed extension, completed in 2017, primarily houses technology-intensive functions such as surgery, x-ray and sterilisation, but also adds new entrances, staff facilities and a restaurant. The use of the same materials – red brick and a copper roof – for the extension as for the original building has blended the new with the old, as have the coloured joints and medieval-inspired brick pattern, ensuring that the new structure blends naturally into its surroundings.

Client: Carlanderska Hospital
Location: Gothenburg, Sweden
Status: Completed 2017
Area: 7,700 sqm
Awards: ICONIC AWARDS 2019: Innovative Architecture
Visuals: Bert Leandersson, Erik Linn

A beautiful and friendly atmosphere where new meets old.

Almost doubling in size

The 7,000 sqm extension adds a facility comprised of four floors and a basement level to Carlanderska Hospital, housing functions that could not be developed in the existing building; surgery, x-ray and sterilisation. Prior to the extension, Carlanderska had four operating theatres sized 14 or 27 sqm. In the new facility there are seven operating theatres sized 40 to 60 sqm.

Minimal disruption

Between the new and old structures, a hortus conclusus creates a waiting room as open and organised as a monastery garden with sharp lines and well-organised sections, in contrast to the park outside. Despite the extension’s significant volume, the park remains largely intact and the walkways have retained their original paths.

The courtyard is organised as a monastery garden with sharp lines and well-organised sections.

Characteristic features

The original buildings feature characteristic roofs, carefully finished with window dormers with various designs and frontispieces. Several large dormers on the ventilation room exterior intersect with the gutter and fit in line with the building’s window placements – the result is a “jumping” gutter which constitutes the most characteristic feature of the building. The dormers serve several purposes; one holds the elevator equipment while others provide possible solutions for future changes to the building. All dormers are fitted with slanted glass lamellae in their facades, both for light reflection and for continuity in design.

Relaxed interiors

The interior strives for a peaceful and relaxed environment with no direct hospital references. Public spaces have a red-tinted terrazzo floor, while the walls feature light-coloured ash panelling. Large floor-to-ceiling windows blur the boundaries between inside and outside.

The architecture is dictated by two factors: to enable modern care and treatment within the original site and correspond to the existing expression.

Ulla Antonsson, lead architect

Still charming

Despite modifications to its original state over the years, the cosy and pampering facility has retained its charm, thanks to a deep respect for the original plans and the hospital park.

Contact & Team

Jacob Sahlqvist

Architect, Office director

+46 706 19 71 08

Send mail

Ulla Antonsson

Lead Architect

Elin Hultman

Christian Wahlström

Roger Johansson

Krister Nilsson

Tobias Hesselgren

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