Hamra National Park & Kronjuveler

Kronjuveler – Crown Jewels, refers to a gilded treasure at the heart of the proposal. The star-shaped ice crystal is a symbol for protected countryside. These stars were used as a recurring motif, marking the location of each national park on visitor maps. The six-sided star is a simple yet powerful graphic. By extruding the star into a three-dimensional object, it transforms into a crown; the national symbol of Sweden. The crown reminds visitors that the spectacular parklands surrounding them are natural treasures, while its golden patina creates an interesting object for discovery as it glitters in the sun.

A kit of design components comprising furniture, picnic cottage, observation towers, signs, toilets, barbecues, bear safe waste disposal and viewing platforms were designed. Materials used included: finely milled timber with dovetail joints that were furnished with slightly narrower pins than usual, whitewood boards, concrete and weathering steel grating.

One of the ways of building resilience into Hamra National Park was by involving some of the youngest residents of Ljusdal. During the park’s inauguration, school children acted as forest guides, sharing their knowledge about wildlife and plants. It is hoped that this early active engagement with the national park and visitors sparks a life-long connection; incubating a generation of life-long ambassadors for nature.