The renovation of the Riksbank building

The Riksbank building will soon be 50 years old, and studies carried out show that most of the building's technical infrastructure needs to be replaced in its entirety. This includes the replacement of systems for air/ventilation, fire safety, lighting and backup power in the building. At the same time as we are renovating, we are taking the opportunity to adapt the building so that we can be a modern and attractive employer for current and future generations.

The Riksbank building is one of the most carefully constructed buildings in modern Swedish architecture and was designed with three leitmotifs in focus: function, security and the well-being of the staff. The building is now almost 50 years old, and studies carried out show that most of the building's technical infrastructure needs to be replaced in its entirety. This includes the replacement of systems for air/ventilation, fire safety, lighting and backup power in the building. At the same time as we are renovating, we are taking the opportunity to adapt the building so that we can be a modern and attractive employer for current and future generations. The aim is to preserve its unique character and continue to develop activities here with a 50-year perspective.

The building is robust and centrally located in Stockholm. It is owned by the Riksbank and has protected status, which means that special security rules apply to the premises.

Building of cultural and historical value

The Riksbank's building is classified with the highest level of cultural heritage protection by the Stockholm City Museum – the so-called blue classification.

A blue classification means that the building has a particularly high cultural-historical value. It is the most prestigious classification that the City Museum can give and means that special rules apply to how the building may be used, altered or renovated.

Sustainability

The renovation will be carried out according to BREEAM In-Use – an international sustainability standard for existing buildings, developed by the British Building Research Establishment (BRE). BREEAM was chosen because it is best suited to the Riksbank building, given its special conditions such as cultural classification and safety requirements.

Changing legislation affects renovation

Since the Riksbank building was completed in 1976, legislation has changed in several areas, with new demands regarding the function and design of the premises. Today, Swedish authorities are expected to be at the forefront of creating a good working environment with high accessibility – something that greatly affects the scope of the renovation.