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UPB scope: Frame and Façade
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Client: Skanska
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Location: Stockholm, Sweden
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Building type: Office building
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Total Area: ~ 34,000 m² BTA
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Certifications: LEED Platinum and NollCO2
Case study: Olivin Project
The Olivin office development in Stockholm is designed with a strong focus on CO₂ reduction and sustainable construction, aiming for a 30% cut in emissions while incorporating circular economy principles. This case study explores UPB’s role in achieving this target.
Reduced CO2 emissions by 30%
From the start, the Olivin Project prioritized sustainability. Our initial challenge was to cut carbon emissions by 30% from the original estimate. Through strategic design and material reuse, we successfully lowered the footprint from 195 kg CO₂/m² BTA to 135 kg CO₂/m².
These key measures not only achieved the 30% reduction but also shortened the project timeline and cut costs by 8.9%.
Optimized Structural Design
Traditional facade and steel elements were replaced with prefabricated concrete walls, reducing embodied carbon.
Efficient Frame Configuration
Adjustments in beam and hollow core layouts incorporated glulam/CLT elements for improved insulation.
Sustainalbe Materials
UPB Strategy C for prefab concrete structures were applied, achieving 50% clinker substitution. Additionally, we selected steel with higher recycled content and a greener ready-mix concrete to minimize environmental impact.
Reusing Structural Elements
A key aspect that required close collaboration with Skanska was their ambition to integrate reused elements into buildings' structures — an approach that brought both opportunities and obstacles. This was our first experience with reusing structural elements, but through teamwork, we successfully made it work.
The biggest hurdle in the early stages was the lack of an existing supply chain for reused elements. To overcome this, we had to work closely together to source components that met quality standards and had valid CE certification.
The process was complex, involving the assessment, certification, and integration of reused components into the new structure while also adapting our workflows to accommodate these unconventional materials.
Reuse of HCS
Despite these challenges, together with Skanska, we sourced reused full hollow core slabs (HCS) from another Skanska project. These slabs met all the necessary criteria for reuse:
- Possessed CE certification
- Had no visual defects, cracks, or frost damage
- Were easily dismantlable
Design and Installation
Next works included identifying reuse zones with Skanska, adapting lifting solutions, and determining element dimensions.We managed to implement key actions:
- Quick processing – HCS adjustments were completed within a week.
- Optimized design – Dimensions were adapted to project needs.
- Strategic placement – Collaboration allowed flexible positioning of reused HCS.
- Waste reduction – Hollow cores were grouped to minimize scrap.
Next steps: Reused Steel Structures
Our commitment to circular construction continues. Current efforts focus on identifying and integrating reused steel structures within the Olivin framework. Critical aspects such as cross-section verification, thickness requirements, and CE certification are being addressed in collaboration with Stena Stål as a potential material supplier.
By incorporating CO₂ reduction strategies and pioneering the reuse of structural materials, UPB and Skanska are setting new industry standards. While challenges remain, the project continues to evolve, reinforcing its status as a benchmark for environmentally responsible construction.
Learn more about our expertise and commitment to sustainability here.
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