June 2013 saw the opening of Marge Arkitekter’s new ferry terminals at Strömkajen in Stockholm. The buildings serve travellers heading to the Stockholm archipelago and are located in one of the city’s most visited areas. The site’s central location opposite the Royal Palace, next to the Grand Hotel and the National Art Gallery and in close proximity to Skeppsholmen’s museums results in a considerable flow of tourists into the area.
The design is based on an elementary form – the cone, framing different views over the water. The cones are combined in different ways to meet the demands of the different businesses, resulting in buildings with no specific fronts or backs. Each building is unique but together they create a cohesive expression for the boat and pedestrian traffic of Strömkajen.
Exterior facades are covered with burnished Tombak, a brass alloy. The interiors are made of rough sawn oak. Glass parts by the waiting hall and the selling area are drawn back to give rain shelter and to provide space for facade displaying. Due to the construction of the buildings a precise expression has been created where guttering and drain pipes can be avoided.
The terminal buildings are scaled down in relation to the surrounding architecture. The design’s priority is to maintain free views of the Royal Palace from Stallgatan and Grevgränd and to highlight the monumental edifices on Blasieholmen.
The project consists of three new buildings, two terminals for Strömma/Stockholm Sightseeing and for Waxholmsbolaget and one building with a café, viewing steps, store room and a recycling station. From the steps one can take a picture of the royal palace or just sit in the sun and enjoy the magnificent view over the old city of Stockholm.
Info and images © Marge Arkitekter