New look for the memorialized Residensets courtyard

The Länsresidenset state building in Kristianstad has a new courtyard designed by FOJAB. The design is based on Renaissance ideals and will serve as a lovely place to take a break for the residence's tenants.

The residence, which makes up an entire block in Kristianstad, has in recent years been gradually renovated and adapted for new functions and tenants. Among other things, the representation floor has been converted into office space, the facades of the main building have been plastered and the main entrance has been discreetly adapted for accessibility. The work is led by Mattias Hedberg Ek at FOJAB. In 2016 he was appointed house architect by the National Property Board, which owns and manages the building.

Now the courtyard is also finished after a major renovation.

- When the residence was built, there were stables and carriage houses in the yard, otherwise it was probably a gravel area. The pre-renovation appearance dates back to the early 1960s. Since then, changes and additions have been made gradually. Now the courtyard has been adapted to today's needs and at the same time given a new expression that harmonizes with the building, says Caroline Hertzman, landscape architect at FOJAB.

The new design is based on the Renaissance ideal of the building and garden working together, and draws on the house's materials and symmetrical design. A large central meeting place is bordered on two sides by granite walls, perennial plantings and reflecting ponds. The meeting place is highlighted with a different ground material and a centrally placed care tree.

Existing stone walls around the former staircase are preserved and create a frame around the new paved area in front of the entrance. Plantings visible in the 1937 relationship drawing are recreated along the facades.

The courtyard also houses bicycle parking and a new green house. In connection with the redesign, a historic lighting fixture has also been restored. Together with low bollard luminaires in the plantings, it now illuminates the courtyard's new meeting place.

- The inner courtyard has regained its dignity and the status it once had as a residence garden. The transformation has been a boost for the entire neighborhood," says Maria Nordh, property manager at Statens fastighetsverk Syd.

Facts and figures Kristianstad county residence
Designed by architect Fredrik Wilhelm Scholander and built in 1857-1860. Until 1997 it was the residence of the Governor of Kristianstad County. Since 1935, the residence has been a listed building.