When the Japanese technology company Alps Alpine renovated its Gothenburg office, Scandinavian calm met Japanese precision. In this thoughtfully designed workplace – nomination for Sweden’s Best Office 2025 – the ambition was to create a space that feels both welcoming and balanced.
When the Japanese technology company Alps Alpine renovated its Gothenburg office, Scandinavian calm met Japanese precision. In this thoughtfully designed workplace – nomination for Sweden’s Best Office 2025 – the ambition was to create a space that feels both welcoming and balanced.
With around 105 employees, many of them engineers, the need for a calm, focused environment was essential. “The vision was to create a warm and familiar feeling,” Office Coordinator Linda Hörberg explains. As a result, the workplace prioritises wellbeing, combining clean design with a soft, human touch.
As a Japanese multinational headquartered in Tokyo, the company naturally drew on its heritage. The office embraces Japandi, which is where Scandinavian minimalism meets Japanese aesthetics. Interior architects Modesty were entrusted with translating this vision into reality. “We presented the feeling we wanted and had full trust in Modesty,” Linda says.
To balance the soft, natural palette, parts of the interior were given a more industrial character. Ceilings were opened up to expose ducts and ventilation, adding depth and contrast while connecting different levels of the building.
A key element in achieving a calm atmosphere was the Terra Brown Woodura Planks. “We chose XL planks as the floor was to be installed across large spaces, and we wanted a calmer expression,” Linda explains. “The warm tone fits perfectly with the interior concept.”
In total, 435 sqm of wood flooring was installed in the reception area alone, helping to create a warm and welcoming first impression. “We wanted the entrance and reception to feel inviting, and the wood floor really contributes to that.”
The team was already familiar with Woodura flooring: “We knew the product was durable and well suited for areas with a lot of daily foot traffic, and the floor brings all the materials together,” says Linda. “It bridges warm and cooler tones across the interior.”
Like many renovation projects, there were technical challenges to overcome. One key issue was uneven subfloors. “There were level differences in the concrete floor, so we had to level it out and raise it.” The entire office floor was adjusted to create a consistent surface and avoid slopes, ensuring both functionality and comfort.
Sustainability was a guiding principle throughout the project, reflecting both Japanese and Swedish values. “It was absolutely important in all material choices,” Linda says. From responsibly sourced materials to reused elements, such as furniture made from recycled leather, every decision needed to reflect the company’s values.
The office is not just a workplace, but a reflection of company culture. Meeting rooms are named after Japanese cities, each with its own story. There’s even a Super Mario room, adding a playful touch to the environment. The response from employees and visitors has been overwhelmingly positive: “Fantastic! We’ve achieved the feeling we were aiming for.”
