Halmstad Library - schmidt hammer lassen Building PR Feb07:


Building Photo © Adam Mørk from ING Media 230207

SHL complete new library in Halmstad, Sweden
Halmstad Library is set within a parkland setting overlooking the River Nissan and the town’s historic centre. The architectural form was predicated by a mature chestnut tree which now forms the focal point of the circular atrium. The library’s long curved glass façade creates an immediate sense of connection with the library’s parkland context whilst the building also acts as a link between the historic centre and the newer districts beyond.


Building Photo © Adam Mørk from ING Media 230207


The building’s internal layout is essentially one single open space, flexible and highly legible: the light and airy structure creates a synergy between the structural columns and the trees outside. The atrium functions as a fulcrum for the entire scheme and also provides vertical connection for the library’s three floors. Surrounding the atrium is the information plaza: an active zone containing reception, computer terminals, exhibitions, a café and a stairway to the balcony floor, and to the stacks in the basement. Set around this zone are the library’s various subject zones, each imbued with a sense of tranquility and light, affording users generous space in which to reflect, read and be inspired.


Photo © Adam Mørk from ING Media 230207

Constructed using a simple palette of materials - concrete, glass and Nordic larch flooring – the new library’s sculptural form has created a landmark for the cultural life of Halmstad and the wider community.

Halmstad’s new library joins SHL’s growing portfolio of distinctive cultural buildings. Other libraries by the practice include the Royal Library in Copenhagen, the “Cultural Island” in Middelfart, Denmark, the library at the ARoS art museum in Aarhus, Denmark, and Växjö City Library in Sweden.


Photo © Adam Mørk from ING Media 230207

Client: Halmstad Municipality
Area: 8,000m2
Construction Sum: EUR 12m excl. VAT
Award: 1st prize
Design 2001 – 2004; Construction Period: 2004-2006
Engineer: Rambøll, Sweeden
Turnkey contractor: Traditional procurement

Halmstad Library Sweden: Building PR from ING Media 230207



Swedish Architecture

Halmstad Library architects - schmidt hammer lassen

In 1986, Morten Schmidt, Bjarne Hammer and John F. Lassen founded the architectural practice schmidt hammer lassen in 1986. Subsequent partners Later in 1998 Kim Holst Jensen became a partner in 1998 and in 2004 Morten Holm in 2004.

schmidt hammer lassen now has more than 130 staff and has become one of Denmark’s leading architectural practices with award-winning projects in Denmark, Scandinavia, Europe and Asia.

The practice has a distinguished track record with a broad portfolio of cultural buildings, sports centres, educational complexes, corporate headquarters, large-scale retail and housing schemes (often within complex urban contexts) as well as interior and product design. Many projects tap into the complete spectrum of shl’s expertise – from initial masterplan to buildings to interior fit-out.

Many shl projects have been awarded Danish and international prizes. These include the new Royal Library in Copenhagen, AROS Aarhus Art Museum, Greenland’s Arts and Community Center, Nykredit’s headquarters in Copenhagen, Halmstad Library in Sweden, Alta Cathedral in Norway, Amazon Court in Prague and Chongqing’s new urban quarter in China.

New schemes include the University of Aberdeen New Library (shl are leading architects in a multi-disciplinary design team including Engineers Arup and Quantity Surveyors Davis Langdon LLP) and a large new Technical College in Larvik in Norway.

shl has been short listed this year in an international architect competition for the new headquarters for The Scottish Ballet in Glasgow; the practice is also on English Partnership’s shortlist of practices selected for the Framework Agreement for masterplanning, urban design, architecture and landscape architecture.
shl is currently in the process of designing a series of Scandinavian Furniture Houses for ILVA in seven major cities in England. This work carried out in collaboration with the UK architects Wilson Mason. shl is in the process of establishing a long-term presence in the UK and is officially registered as a UK company - schmidt hammer lassen ltd

shl places great emphasis on design methodology – a number of key themes run through shl’s architectural strategy:

• the importance of the relationship between the physical, social, climatic and environmental context
• the synergy between the brief and the functionality of the architectural response, between the project and
its immediate context/ community
• internal milieu – character and atmosphere are devel.oped through the juxtaposition of materials and colour
and the meticulous interplay between light and spatial relationships
• the practice has developed fully integrated design processes which ensure buildability, attain high levels of
sustainability, implement risk management procedures, respond imaginatively to site constraints, and deliver projects within a tight economic framework

shl prides itself on communication, clear design process, full client participation and focused teamwork.

Halmstad Library architects: schmidt hammer lassen



World Architecture : e-architect - a guide to key buildings across the globe

Another building by Halmstad Library architects: Aberdeen Library

Comments / photos for the Halmstad Library Sweden page welcome:
info@e-architect.co.uk

Halmstad Library Sweden : page - adrian welch / isabelle lomholt