Kineum Office Building Gothenburg: A Dynamic Mixed-Use High-Rise by Reflex Arkitekter

The Kineum Office Building in Gothenburg, Sweden, designed by Reflex Arkitekter, represents a new era of mixed-use architecture that integrates work, hospitality, and wellness into a single vertical urban hub. Completed in 2022, this 30,000 m² high-rise redefines the concept of contemporary office environments by introducing a vibrant, multi-functional ecosystem in the rapidly developing Gårda district.

Urban Context and Strategic Location

Positioned adjacent to Gothenburg’s city center, Kineum plays a vital role in revitalizing the Gårda area. The project responds to the need for continuous urban activity by introducing a building that remains active throughout the day and night. By combining offices, a hotel, spa, gym, conference facilities, and services, the building enhances urban connectivity while improving safety and liveliness in what was traditionally a quiet business district after working hours.

Architectural Concept: “House in Motion”

Derived from the Greek word “kinéo,” meaning “to set in motion,” Kineum embodies the concept of a “House in Motion.” The design encourages fluid interaction between different user groups, including office workers, hotel guests, and wellness visitors. This continuous movement creates a dynamic atmosphere, transforming the building into a living, breathing urban entity that fosters collaboration, social exchange, and relaxation.

Mixed-Use Program and Spatial Flexibility

Kineum’s 28-story structure is carefully programmed to support a diverse range of activities. The integration of professional, leisure, and hospitality spaces ensures a holistic user experience. The flexible floor plan, enabled by a robust structural system, allows spaces to adapt to evolving needs, making the building future-proof in a rapidly changing work culture shaped by post-pandemic demands.

Structural Innovation and Material Strategy

The building employs a hybrid structural system consisting of prefabricated concrete slabs, steel frames, and a cast-in-place concrete core. This core houses vertical circulation and technical installations, enabling open and flexible floor layouts. The façade is composed of prefabricated glass and aluminum X-modules, creating a distinctive visual identity inspired by fishing nets, a tribute to Gothenburg’s maritime heritage.

Façade Design and Cultural Expression

Kineum’s façade is both symbolic and functional. The net-like pattern references the city’s historical relationship with the sea, while also serving as a performance-driven envelope. High-performance glazing works in tandem with the façade design to reduce solar gain, minimize cooling demands, and enhance indoor environmental quality.

Sustainability and Energy Performance

Sustainability is central to Kineum’s design strategy. Guided by BREEAM Excellent standards, the building achieves energy performance levels 25% better than national requirements. The façade system contributes to passive climate control, optimizing daylight while reducing heat gain.

Additionally, the project reduces environmental impact through material innovation. By lowering cement content in the concrete, the construction achieved a 39% reduction in climate impact and saved approximately 200 tons of carbon dioxide, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable construction practices.

Post-Pandemic Workplace Transformation

Kineum addresses the evolving nature of work environments in a post-pandemic world. By blending office spaces with wellness and hospitality functions, the building creates an attractive destination where people are encouraged to work, meet, and stay. This integrated approach enhances user well-being and redefines the role of the workplace as a social and experiential environment.

A New Model for Urban Office Design

Kineum Office Building stands as a benchmark for future mixed-use developments. Its integration of flexible workspaces, sustainable design, and vibrant public interaction creates a resilient and engaging urban landmark. By merging architecture, culture, and sustainability, Reflex Arkitekter has crafted a building that not only responds to contemporary needs but also anticipates the future of urban living.

All photographs are works of  Anton Adielsson