Heritage Meets Modern Life

A New Landmark for Gävle, Sweden

In the heart of Gävle, beside Slottstorget, the Gavle River, the town hall and the castle, stands the new Agnes Cultural Centre. Completed in 2024 on the site of the former city library, the building balances modest height with bold presence, mediating between the small timber houses of Gamla Gefle and the taller, more contemporary structures around the square.

Architecture with Purpose

Designed by Nyréns Arkitektkontor, the project prioritises low climate impact and the use of durable materials that will evolve with time. Every element is conceived to adapt, transform and age with dignity.

Wood at the Core

Wood flooring plays a central role in this vision, chosen for four of the building’s five floors as a natural and resilient surface that unites the house’s many functions. Executed in oak Solid Line, the floors ground the experience of the cultural centre with warmth and strength. Their rich tones shape the indoor climate and filter the daylight streaming through the expansive windows, creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

A House of Many Functions

Covering 8,600 square metres, the building houses a library, café, cinema, art gallery, digital hub and a congress hall seating 220. At its heart, a dramatic central staircase, clad in timber, spirals through the atrium, drawing people together in a vibrant public space.

Flooring Built to Last

The flexible layout of the centre requires materials capable of withstanding heavy, rolling furniture and constant activity. Here, HØRNING oak Solid Line has proven the ideal solution. Fully glued and oiled, the flooring ensures durability, enhances acoustics and provides a distinct visual character that underlines the building’s role as a cultural landmark for the city.

Author and photographer: Bjarne Lund Johansen