Broad expertise and the organisation's experience were two of the success factors when Hudiksvall Municipality chose the interior design of a residential care home that was being expanded to accommodate more residents. The new investment aimed to achieve an interior design solution that would not only provide a good living environment, but also an attractive, ergonomic working environment. “Kinnarps helped us update and future-proof the interior design of the new part of the home,” says Thomas Eriksson, project manager for the property at the Social Welfare Administration in Hudiksvall.
In the bright entryway, you are greeted by the Thyra easy chair and sofa series. These, paired with plants and textiles, gives a warm feeling. Thyra is a very sustainable choice as all loose parts can be updated or replaced as necessary, without the need for tools. The gap between the seat and back and good accessibility underneath ensure good hygiene and facilitate cleaning.
The original part of Håsta residential care home with room for 40 residents was built around the turn of the millennium. When the municipality decided to add another 48 places to the existing accommodations, they did so with the understanding that a lot has changed in the last 20 years. "The demands and expectations from residents, relatives, employees and society at large are different today. Nowadays, residential care homes need to focus on the individual and be able to combine a functional, homely environment with good holistic ergonomics. It’s a matter of respecting both the elderly and the staff," says Thomas Eriksson.
He explains that Hudiksvall Municipality identified early on that, for the interior design to live up to its ambitious objectives, their own work group’s experience would need to bring in up-to-date external expertise. Following the procurement, the process was characterised by dialogue and collaboration between internal and external players.
"Key to the indoor environment was the close collaboration between Kinnarps and Tillsammans Architects. They worked closely together to create a cohesive solution of harmonious colours, acoustics and light. It provides a safe, stimulating overall experience for our residents and a good working environment for our staff," says Eriksson.
The team at Kinnarps Hudiksvall was responsible for the Håsta project. "The municipality began to consider the interior design early on in the project, which is always a good start for ending up with a successful end result. We were involved in the process and were therefore able to contribute both expertise and concrete interior design solutions, a holistic approach that benefits everyone," says Jonas Sjölund, Kinnarps Hudiksvall.
"Kinnarps has really been engaged and interested. It feels secure to work with a company that has such a good grasp on the task, the challenges and the opportunities, and that can then deliver the solutions we actually needed."
The new building at Håsta consists of four departments with two groups of six residents in each. The building was constructed with wooden frame elements. The furniture from Kinnarps in the common area of the living space and associated departmental offices are based on the natural, light and warm feel of the architecture.
Thomas Eriksson emphasises the interior design’s successful combination of soft and hard values; cosy and homely on the one hand, and practical and easy-care on the other. “It’s simply very nice, high-quality furniture with excellent functionality that offers long-term durability and good overall economy.”
In addition to contributing to the well-being of those who live and work at Håsta, the interior design plays an important role for another reason," says Thomas Eriksson.
"It's becoming increasingly clear that to be an attractive employer, we need to provide a good working environment. It is important that we have a well-thought-out and attractive interior design if we are going to be able to recruit staff in the future and thereby maintain high-quality services."