H O U S E O F S W E D E N
W A S H I N G T O N , D . C . - 2 0 0 6
Make yourself at home,
far from home
In 2006, when Sweden's first so-called "House of Sweden" was to be built outside the country's borders - a new embassy complex in the middle of Washington, D.C. - high demands were placed not only on security, function and aesthetics, but also on symbolism. The House of Sweden would show the world what Sweden stands for: openness, transparency and cooperation.
Photos by Patrik Gunnar Helin
HOUSE OF SWEDEN - SENAB 50 YEARS
Working closely with architects Gert Wingårdh and Tomas Hansen, Senab was commissioned to deliver the entire interior - and to coordinate logistics, assembly and quality assurance from start to finish.
The building was designed to reflect Swedish values, bringing together the Swedish embassy, business offices and a large event space - all in one. The result was an iconic place for diplomacy, business and culture, where every room bears traces of Nordic and sustainable materials with thoughtful function.
Senab's role, as in most of our projects, went beyond furniture delivery. We were a partner throughout the process - from procurement and prototyping to delivery coordination across the Atlantic. It was about understanding an idea and making it possible. Creating environments where Swedish culture, innovation and technological advances can take place - right in the political heart of the United States.
"House of Sweden was an incredibly fun project - Gert Wingårdh's team were open, clear and quick in their decision-making. They knew what they wanted, but had no prestige problems. It was easy to work together, we trusted each other and found solutions together."
- Mats Chressman, at Senab between 1983-2017
MATS CHRESSMAN
HOUSE OF SWEDEN - SENAB 50 YEARS
Today, the House of Sweden remains one of the most talked about Swedish embassy buildings in the world. An architectural symbol of openness and dialog - where every detail interacts with the whole. And for Senab, it is yet another proof of what we can achieve when we work closely with others towards a common goal. A project that still confirms today that the right environment can change how we meet, collaborate and develop.
For everyone who walks through its doors - embassy staff, business leaders, cultural practitioners or visitors from all over the world - the House of Sweden is not just a place that represents Sweden. It is also a space where you can feel at home, despite being far from home.
Photo: Copyright Patrik Gunnar Helin