Few buildings capture the optimism of Scandinavian modernism quite like Sven Markelius’ landmark House of people, Folkets hus, in the heart of Stockholm. More than sixty years after its completion, the building has entered a new chapter through an extensive renovation and interior transformation.
In the iconic building designed by Sven Markelius in the 1960s, DinellJohansson, together with Kockum Luttinger Söderström, has carried out an extensive yet carefully considered renovation and interior transformation.
Rooted in the building’s original architectural expression, the project takes inspiration from its strong modernist heritage. A key reference has been the large-scale chamotte clay relief created by Signe Persson-Melin in collaboration with Anders Liljefors around 1960. Its rich materiality and subtle colour palette served as the starting point and inspiration for the architects’ moodboard for the new interior concept, influencing everything from textiles, colours, and finishes to furniture selection and the overall spatial atmosphere.
Within this context, Lammhults plays a central and integrated role throughout the building. The approach combines carefully preserved originals with new additions, ensuring both continuity and contemporary relevance. The original Cinema armchairs by Gunilla Allard have been restored and reupholstered, allowing the iconic design to remain an active part of the environment.
Gunilla Allard’s design language is deeply rooted in early modernist ideals, with references to tubular steel furniture, functionalism, and Scandinavian modernism. Her personal connection to Sven Markelius – through living in a villa designed by him for builder Olle Engkvist – further underscores a shared architectural and design heritage. The Cinema armchair, now celebrating over 30 years in production, remains one of her most enduring works and a natural fit within this historically charged environment.
New Lammhults pieces add flexibility and functionality to the spaces, making them suitable for a wide range of meetings and events. The selection includes S-70-4, designed by Börge Lindau & Bo Lindekrantz, Cinema by Gunilla Allard, and Ciao, Allard’s latest design for Lammhults. In the conference room, the versatile Carousel, also designed by Gunilla Allard, is paired with the Ponto conference table by Troels Grum-Schwensen, adding a timeless and refined touch to the contemporary setting.
As expressed by CEO Isabelle Lechtman, House of People:
“We have chosen to carefully preserve and restore parts of the original furniture, while introducing new pieces to meet today’s demands for functionality and flexibility. This combination makes it possible to unite the building’s historical expression with a modern operation in constant movement.”
The result is a dynamic and flexible meeting environment where history and contemporary use coexist seamlessly. House of People, Folkets Hus now offers a complete facility with meeting rooms for both small and large groups, a congress hall for up to 1,500 people, and generous foyer spaces for exhibitions and gatherings. With modern technology, daylight, accessibility, as well as on-site restaurant and café, the project creates a comprehensive framework for today’s evolving forms of meetings with Lammhults furniture as an integral part of the architectural whole.
Interior Architect: DinellJohansson
Architect: Kockum Luttinger Söderström
Project management: Sweco
Reseller: Senab
Photographer: Emil Fagander
Products: Cinema, Ciao, Carousel, S-70-4, Ponto, Campus
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