New terminal buildings at Strömkajen in Stockholm

In connection with the urban development of Strömkajen, Marge was commissioned by Stockholm Ports to design three new terminal buildings. The main challenge was to create architecture with its own identity while harmonizing with iconic surroundings such as the Grand Hotel and the National Museum, within one of Stockholm’s most significant cultural-historical environments. The starting point was to design buildings without a backside, allowing them to appear more like furniture or sculptural elements on the quay rather than traditional structures.

The new terminal buildings meet the shipping companies’ requirements for functionality and logistics, as well as the city’s ambition for architecture appropriate to this prestigious location. The open character of the quay has been preserved, and sightlines toward Saltsjön (the Baltic Sea) have been maintained. The buildings were expanded to accommodate cargo storage, environmental stations, service facilities, and signage programs—functions previously scattered across the quay in the form of containers, temporary kiosks, and signage.

The design concept is based on a fundamental shape: an open funnel that frames views of the water and the city. These funnels are combined in different ways to meet the requirements of each activity. As a result, the buildings lack a defined front or back, and their clad sloping roofs function as an equivalent fifth façade visible from surrounding buildings along Södra Blasieholmshamnen. Each terminal is individually articulated, yet together they form a cohesive architectural expression for boat traffic at Strömkajen. The southernmost terminal building, which primarily houses cargo storage, has been complemented with a café and additional amenities.

Externally, the facades are clad in burnished tombac, a brass alloy. The interiors are executed in rough-sawn oak, creating a robust and tactile atmosphere. Glass partitions in waiting halls and sales areas are recessed to provide weather protection and space for integrated facade signage. The construction allows for a precise architectural expression, with gutters and downspouts seamlessly integrated. The ambition was to create a harmonious ensemble that respects the historical context while introducing a contemporary architectural language, contributing to the character of Strömkajen and enhancing the experience for travellers and visitors.