
We had the chance to interview Charlotte Skogström, project manager at Nordmarkens Fasader, about the unique project Viared Center. Nordmarkens Fasader has collaborated with Ulricehamns Glasmästeri, the architectural firm Wingårdhs, RO-gruppen and ACC Glas och Fasadkonsult to achieve the very successful end result. Read more about the exciting story of how they solved challenges in creative and smart ways, how sustainability has been integrated and what they are most satisfied with.
Viared Center has been a comprehensive and unique project with many special solutions and complex constructions, Charlotte Skogström says. With a well-known architect and a large number of customized parts, high demands were placed on precision and accuracy. The collaboration with Ulricehamns Glasmästeri, a long-standing partner, was a key factor in ensuring the smooth implementation of the project. During the two years that the work was ongoing, close dialogue was required between Nordmarkens Fasader, the architectural firm Wingårdhs and Ulricehamns Glasmästeri, where solutions were developed through continuous communication and planning, she continues.
During the project, several challenges emerged. Below, Charlotte explains how they solved these in an innovative way.
One of the biggest challenges was dealing with the pointed profile corners, Charlotte describes. The solution was site measurement in collaboration with Ulricehamns Glasmästeri, where Nordmarkens Fasader, with the help of their problem solver Tommy Sjöstedt and the production team, developed a tailor-made method. Since the installation of glass was technically advanced, tests were carried out before the project started to ensure that everything could be installed correctly.
Another challenge was the specially adapted fillings, where a unique “Viared’s filling” was developed in collaboration with SAPA. Since the building has elements around almost the entire facade on several floors, a special filling with colored facade glass was needed to create a seamless design. The roof, which was designed using CAD software, was partly based on solutions from a previous project, which provided a secure foundation for the planning.
There are many important things to consider when choosing materials, which Charlotte explains more about below.
The choice of glass, sun protection, light transmission and colors is crucial for both aesthetics and function. In this project, the material choices were well thought out already in the design phase, which contributed to an efficient process where we were able to work based on clear guidelines, Charlotte points out.
Sustainability has been integrated into the project in several ways, including through sustainable SAPA products such as Hydro CIRCAL and efficiency improvements.
We used SAPA products throughout, which consist of aluminum with a low CO₂ footprint thanks to Circal 75 – an aluminum alloy where at least 75% comes from recycled post-consumer aluminum, Charlotte explains. This contributes to a more sustainable and circular construction process. We also placed great emphasis on streamlining logistics and deliveries by shipping entire floors at the same time, which reduced the number of transports and resulted in a more sustainable construction process, she continues. Existing resources on the construction site, such as scaffolding and cranes, were also used to reduce environmental impact. Future maintenance has also been considered in the project. If the glass needs to be replaced, it is done from the outside, which simplifies maintenance work, Charlotte demonstrates. In addition, aluminum is recycled, which contributes to a more circular and sustainable construction process. Internal aluminum sections can be dismantled and reused if the floor plan changes, she continues.
Charlotte says they are very pleased with the overall result, especially considering that the project included so many special solutions. “The glazing and installation of the aluminum profiles worked smoothly, and we are particularly proud of how the roof and the building’s pointed details turned out in the finished result,” she concludes.
In summary, it can be said that Viared Center is truly a beautiful and sustainable project, with unique and well-thought-out solutions such as the special “Viareds filling” and sustainable products such as Hydro CIRCAL. Several actors have collaborated to create the beautiful building that can be found west of Borås.
SAPA Producer/customer: Nordmarkens Fasader.
SAPA Products: SAPA 4150, SAPA 2086, SAPA 5050 SSG, SAPA 4074 and SAPA 1050.
Architect: Wingårdhs.
Project name: Viared Center.
Photographer: Lasse Olsson.