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Underpinned by our Scandinavian design heritage, we bring you regular stories about architecture and interiors, exploring natural materials, acoustics, and the creation of safe and harmonious environments.
GLOBAL
On the intensive care ward at Falu lasarett, a river runs along the wall. It winds past animals and pine forest, past the red buildings of Falun and the landmarks of Dalarna, across twelve panels and every joint between them, without a single break. It is the Dalälven. And it is made entirely from wood.
INTARSIA
Intarsia in contemporary interiors
Intarsia, a form of marquetry is the technique of fitting precisely cut pieces of wood veneer together to form images and motifs – has existed since antiquity and reached its peak in the Italian palaces and churches of the Renaissance. For a long time it was regarded as a museum piece, a craft belonging to another era.
Not any longer. Intarsia is making a strong return in Scandinavian interiors: in high-end restaurants, boutique hotels, and increasingly in public art commissions where material quality and longevity carry real weight.
ART & ARCHITECTURE
Art that meets the requirements
That intarsia was chosen for the commissions at Falu lasarett is neither coincidence nor an aesthetic whim. It was a deliberate choice rooted in Gustafs’ core competence. A hospital environment demands exceptionally high standards of materials – strict fire classification, durability, and demanding environmental requirements. Traditional hospital art in the form of printed images and framed photographs meets those requirements in one way. Intarsia integrated into Gustafs panels does so in another, and better, way.
Because the motifs are part of the panels from the outset – panels that meet fire safety class A2-s1,d0, the highest possible classification – the artworks become a natural part of the interior rather than something applied to the wall. The architects at Arkitema had chosen white-pigmented oak as the primary material in the wards’ interiors. The intarsia panels follow the same logic: same timber species, same finish, so that art and architecture speak the same language.
Gustafs has supplied timber panels to hospitals worldwide for over a hundred years. That knowledge is built into every panel, and now into every motif as well.
EMMA LÖFSTRÖM
Emma Löfström – intarsia wall, IVA
Emma Löfström trained at Central Saint Martins and the Royal College of Art in London and is one of Sweden’s most internationally recognised intarsia artists. Her practice centres on natural ecosystems – forests, bogs, and watercourses and she has previously created intarsia works for, amongst others, the sister restaurant to three-Michelin-starred Frantzén in London.
For the ICU at Falu lasarett, she created a work spanning twelve wall panels in the hospital’s main stairwell. The motif draws on the landscapes, wildlife, nature, and built environment of Dalarna, with Falun at its centre. Animals, trees, buildings, and natural forms are all present, and all are bound together by the Dalälven, which winds continuously across the entire wall, passing each panel joint without interruption.
The white-pigmented oak chosen by Arkitema for the ward’s interior becomes the canvas for the motif. The timber does not compete with the artwork. It is the artwork. Löfström and her team were on site during production at Gustafs, working alongside our veneer craftsmen as the panels were built up piece by piece.
STENAR & BERG
Patrik Lundborg – Oncology and Radiology
Patrik Lundborg is a designer-craftsman and furniture maker based in Gothenburg. His work moves in the territory between craft and art, with timber as the primary material. Intarsia is one of the techniques he returns to repeatedly, and in his work it is the material’s own qualities – the veneer’s grain, colour shifts, and texture – that carry the expression rather than applied surfaces or pigment.
Patrik was responsible for the commissions in the waiting rooms and entrances of the Oncology and Radiology wards. He created a series of landscapes whose materials live with the light and change throughout the day. The works combine different timber species and stained veneers with inlays of metal. The metal surfaces reflect the light and create a subtle movement in the room – not intrusive, but alive. A wall that looks different in the morning than it does in the afternoon. A sense that something is happening, even when you are sitting still.
In the Oncology waiting rooms, freestanding stones float along the wall: abstract forms in intarsia with organic contours and natural variation in the veneer’s grain. They are not placed to tell you something specific, but to give you something to sink into. Waiting in a hospital is rarely easy. Art that gives the eye something to follow without demanding interpretation is, in itself, a form of care.
Why it matters
Research consistently shows that art in healthcare environments has a measurably positive effect on patient wellbeing. Intarsia in real timber offers something that printed images never can: warmth, tactility, and the quiet knowledge that something has been made by hand, from genuine materials, by people who cared about the result.
The works at Falu lasarett meet every requirement a demanding public environment can make, and they will still be there in fifty years. The Dalälven will still be running along that wall. That is what craft does.
Made by Gustafs Scandinavia.
Commissioned by Region Dalarna.
Artists: Emma Löfström and Patrik Lundborg.
Architects: Arkitema.
Film: Stratos Cinema. Photography: Sara Danielsson.
STORIES
Old craft at a new scale – intarsia at Falu lasarett
On the intensive care ward at Falu lasarett, a river runs along the wall. It winds past animals and pine forest, past the red buildings of Falun and the landmarks of Dalarna, across twelve panels and every joint between them, without a single break. It is the Dalälven. And it is made entirely from wood.
When Craft Met Art
Gustafs manufactures wood panels for public environments around the world. Hospitals, concert halls, airports, courtrooms. But the project at Falu Hospital was different – this time it was not just about delivering panels. It was about taking part in creating art.
Carlsberg HQ: a meeting place for the whole organisation
C.F. Møller Architects explain how they designed the head office of world-famous beer brand Carlsberg.
Linear Rib-E – Rounded Wood Ceiling Profiles with Soft, Sculptural Character
Rib-E brings a fully rounded wooden profile to the Gustafs linear family. Where our existing ribs carry a sharp, angular character, Rib-E has a softer geometry and fluid lines that catch light differently, add tactile depth, and give a ceiling a sculptural presence without demanding attention.
Designing Weir Group’s HQ with unique wall panels
Design Director Russell Baxter of NORR Architects discusses the design of Weir Group’s headquarters in Glasgow, and the collaboration with Gustafs to create custom-made 3D wall panels.
8 Bishopsgate, London: the new gold standard for office design
We chat with London-based property developers Stanhope about the vision behind this landmark 50-storey tower, in the City of London financial district.
Introducing Gustafs Blayde
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Replacing red-listed wood in Acoustic Architecture
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Carefully renewed – with an eye on the future
Morten Johansson from DinellJohansson talks about House of People and their work to modernize the interior while preserving the building’s character.
Accessible design with Cubo Arkitekter
Per Ravn from Cubo Arkitekter talks about the design of a ten-storey commercial building in Oslo.
Gustafs Linear Rib wins public vote in Archello Awards 2025
We’re thrilled to announce that Gustafs Linear Rib has been recognized as the Public Vote Winner in the Wall Finish of the Year category at the Archello Awards 2025.
Bold ceiling design in British public library
John Comer from HTA Design speaks about the Una Marson Library project, where Gustafs Linear Ribs clad the ceiling in a diamond-shaped pattern.
Norway Leads the Way – Where Nature, Material, and Architecture Meet
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Design Trends 2026: Natural Materials and Acoustic Wellness in Modern Interiors
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Studio Ulster: Belfast’s new world-class virtual production hub
Gareth Andrews from RPP Architects shares his thoughts around this newly opened virtual production facility, Studio Ulster, in Belfast, and their selection of Gustafs panels on the walls in the screening room.
How to Improve Acoustics in Swimming Pools and Spas
How to Improve Acoustics in Swimming Pools and Spas
5 Environmental Tips That Make a Difference
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Smarter building with reuse – panels get new life in London
Global design practice Hassell talks about the Fora workspace in London, where Gustafs panels were reused and given new life.
Sustainable Building Materials for Architecture
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Material selection for Norway’s National Police Emergency Response Unit
Håvard Slinde from Nordic Office of Architecture discuss the materials selected for the project.
Architects Gray Baynes + Shew interview
GBS Architects’ Fiona Godlement speaks about their reconfiguration of Radley College Science Block.
Report from Stockholm Furniture Fair 2025
We summarize our week in the Swedish capital, where we participated in the annual furniture fair.
Wellbeing and sustainability for Vilnius office
Lithuanian interior design studio DVI tell us about their recent workspace project.
Flexible office space built for the future
Myles Burke from PLP Architecture talks about the Arbor building in central London, where 300 sqm of Gustafs Linear Rib is installed in the entrance area.
Rustic elegance in the English countryside
Interior Designer Stephanie Dunning speaks about the ‘cathedral like’ Exton Hall building at Exton Park Vineyard, and the installation of Gustafs Linear Ribs in the ceiling.
Tradition meets the contemporary
We explore a new intarsia artwork designed by artist Anna Hedström for Gustafs. Collaboration is an important aspect of our creative approach at Gustafs, we love to test what can happen when creativity and craftsmanship merge!
Achieving natural room acoustics: A holistic approach
Experienced acoustician Johan de Sousa Mestre uses a blend of perforations for best reverberation and diffusivity in his search for optimal room acoustics.
Gustafs presents Feltfon range
We introduce a new acoustic line with felt absorbers inspired by nature, offering a wide selection of silent designs for both walls and ceilings.
New design: Lamellow+ Puzzle
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New collections offer unlimited potential
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Gustafs awarded Brand of the Year
Gustafs was nominated twice at Stjärngalan 2024, winning the Brand of the Year category.
Unlocking potential in 3D printing
Designer Simon Mattisson’s collaboration with Gustafs to 3D print acoustic panels from waste materials.
Material choices in healthcare environments
BDP’s Vicky Casey on using natural materials in Southmead Hospital, Bristol.
The future of retail interiors
Learn why experience and materials are the key to the future of retail.
Gustafs celebrates ‘A Living History’
Creative agency Nineties Studio explain the concept behind Gustafs new brand identity.
Three thoughts on materials and lighting work
Experienced consultant Paul Nulty on how to combine lighting and materials such as wood.
Scandinavia’s first zero-energy hotel
House of Choice by White Arkitekter gives guests a greener choice.
Three thoughts on reuse in architecture
Carol Costello, practice leader of Cullinan Studio, discusses what architecture studios can do to reduce their environmental impact.
Redeveloping a historic building
Hawkins\Brown tell us how they approached the modernisation of a Grade II Listed building in London.
Three materials of the future
Chris Lefteri, renowned expert in material technology, speaks about materials of the future.
Karen Haller on colour in interiors
Colour expert Karen Haller tells us how behavioural colour and design psychology can create harmonious interiors.
Introducing Feltfon Linear
Gustafs introduces Feltfon Linear, a customisable linear felt solution which gives a soft, warmth to walls and ceilings.
Our guide to the top five interiors in ash
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3XN’s centre for climate research and collaboration
Jan Ammundsen talks through Denmark’s gamechanging Klimatorium scheme
An introduction to office acoustics
An overview of how material choices affect sound absorption in a workplace environment.
An introduction to neurodiversity in design
We explore how workplace design can be adapted for people with neurodiverse conditions.
The design of accessible workplaces
A conversation with Daniel Rönnqvist, Architect and Accessibility Consultant at Gatun Arkitekter, about human-centered architecture and workplace design.
Three thoughts on building materials, with Jan Ammundsen
3XN’s Design Director explains the studio’s approach to material selection.
The importance of silent study spaces
Architect Colin Moses reflects on his key learnings from the University of Bedfordshire library project.
Designing for mental wellbeing
Exploring how architects can create happy cities by designing for mental wellbeing.
Wooden Ribs: New research in fire safety
Fire engineer Håvard Strøm Halvorsen examines interiors with wooden ribs.
Three reasons why I love wood
Property developer Folkhem’s Anna Ervast Öberg talks about her favourite material.
Flexible learning environments
An interview with Graven’s Ross Hunter on designing multi-use education spaces.
Three key points to know about fire safe wooden panels
The benefits of avoiding fire retardants, and other important points.
Does architecture affect blood pressure?
Workplaces designed with acoustics in mind can avoid noise and stress.
Associated Architects on University libraries
Joe Belcher lists his key learnings from The Davison Library, University of London.
Malmö Live, a community house on an international scale
We chat to Kristian Ahlmark of Schmidt Hammer Lassen about how this “city within a city” was designed for the local community.
The top 3 trends in Swedish school design
We examine how architects focus on daylight, acoustics and materials in educational facilities.
Helping architects design spaces with great acoustics
Experiencing how buildings sound at the design stage: we look at a new research project of sound simulation software.
Scandinavian design essence by Tengbom
Take a trip around Arlanda VIP Services as Mark Humphreys of Tengbom Arkiteker explains how it epitomises Scandinavian style.
A deeper dive into forest bathing
Jenny Lovebo of Linnaeus University answers three questions on the wellbeing effects of forests.
A wealth of wood at Hejmdal Cancer Patients House in Aarhus
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The new campus of Stockholm’s Royal College of Music
Architect Annika Askerblom of AIX explains how interior design and acoustic excellence were combined to create stunning performances spaces.
Optimising room acoustics to improve wellbeing
We explore how reducing noise and creating harmonious sound environments can improve wellbeing.
Forest bathing
Why forest bathing is here to save your social life: exploring how woodland walks have become the new way of socialising.
Sound in digital meetings
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The design of music
The legendary Swedish acoustician Jan-Inge Gustafsson joins us for a conversation about concert halls, collaborating with architects, and the creative process.
Fire Safety in Wooden Interiors
We ask fire consultant Anders Bach Vestergaard of COWI consulting to answer three questions about the creation of safe, beautiful and design-led wooden interiors.
Sloyd – The Next Scandinavian Export?
In this article we explore the Scandinavian culture of educational sloyd, and its potential to inspire future generations of wood-centric designers.
The Origins of Gustafs
The story of our heritage: from a forest in rural Sweden, based on traditions of carpentry and craftsmanship, to world-leading wood panel systems.
A Colourful Collaboration
Recalling the challenges and joys of making a spectacular acoustic solution happen – from design to installation.
Innovative Solutions in Doha
Recalling the challenges and joys of making a spectacular acoustic solution happen – from design to installation.
Fighting Stress With Wooden Interiors
Wood is nature’s original stress-reliever, and studies have proven that its use in the built environment can greatly improve our wellbeing.
The Collaborative Office
We talk to Wingårdhs Arkitektkontor on the future of offices and the shifting role of workspaces.
Introducing Lamellow+
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Cisco’s Webex Room Panorama Awarded Red Dot: Best of the Best
Gustaf’s collaboration with Cisco has resulted in a fantastic conference solution that has been awarded with Red Dot: Best of the best
New Narrow RIB Dimensions For Creative Installations
We have developed a new design for our timber slats. A narrower model is now available for walls and ceilings.
Lund District Court Featured Under Best Applied Products on ArchDaily
The project Lund’s district court is featured on Archdaily – Building of the year award. The project is featured under Best applied products.
New Gpod at Stockholm Furniture Fair 2020
Once again we have a new product to present at the Stockholm furniture fair – come and experience our new meeting pod.
New Stripe-XL With Dark Core Achieves Unique Fire Classification A2-s1,d0
In our aim to lead the development of fire classified wooden claddings for public spaces we now launch a brand new linear timber cladding panel that achieves the market’s absolute highest possible fire classification A2-s1, d0.
QNCC Among the Pritzker Prize Winner’s Project
Architect Arata Isozaki has been awarded the pritker prize. One of his projects is QNCC, which consists largely of Gustaf’s interior panels
An Office Meeting Pod with a Modern Design – Gustafs Acoustic Gpod
Gustafs Gpod is our new Office meeting pod, designed for both meetings but also as an exclusive wooden furniture with perfect acoustics.
Product Launch at Stockholm Furniture Fair
During the Stockholm Furniture Fair we will be launching a brand new product – we’re redefining the workplace, again
Introducing Gustafs D-Line Spot
We continue to develop our product range. It is now possible to install spotlights as D-Line, we introduce Gustafs D-Line Spot
DTU Building 202 Awarded Detail Inside Special Prize 2018
Once again DTU Building 202 has been awarded for it’s design. This time the prestigious Detail Inside Special Prize.
Introducing Linear RIB-S – A New Linear RIB Design
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Gustafs D-Line – A new linear LED lighting for our Linear System
Gustafs D-Line is our new integrated LED lighting system, fully compatibel with our Linear System – LED lighting for wall and ceilings.
Library Project Receives RIBA Award
Bedfordshire library project has been awarded the RIBA East Award 2018. We are delighted to have been part of this project.
DTU Building 202 Awarded Carpentry Prize 2017
The stunning project DTU building 202 has been awarded the Carpentry Prize 2017. We are proud to have delivered our panels to the project.
European Healthcare Design Award 2017
The Brunel Building of Southmead Hospital has been awarded European Healthcare Design 2017. Gustafs and LSA have produced and supplied panels to the project.
New Library at University of Bedfordshire
Gustafs together with LSA have produced and supplied slatted wood panels to this new library at Bedfordshire University.
Royal College of Music nominated for the building of the year
The Royal College of Music in Stockholm is one of ten projects nominated for Stockholm Building of the Year.
Gustafs Panels at Royal College of Music in Stockholm
Gustafs are producing interior acoustic wood panels for all music venues at the new royal college of music in Stockholm.
Gustafs Awarded for the environmental work at NKS
Gustafs have been awarded by the contractor Skanske for our environmental work at the project site NKS, we are truly glad!
Emporia, BREEAM Building of the Year
Gustafs have contributed with interior wall panels in laminate and wood surfaces to the BREEAM Building of the year project.
Dark Core Fibre Gypsum
Our brand new dark fibre gypsum core can be used to hide the perforations in a better way, using dark veneered wood panels.
Gustafs win Malmö Live contract
Gustafs have won the Malmö Live contract and will produce and install interior wall and ceiling panels for this spectacular venue.
First project in China
We’re happy to announce Gustafs’ first ever project in China. We have produced and supplied this auditorium with wood panels.
Gustafs Scandinavia celebrates 100 years
This summer Gustafs celebrated 100 years as a business, with the start of Andreas Tunander acquired the business back in 1913.
The New Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburgh
Together with our Russian supplier, Gustafs has manufactured and delivered fireproof wooden panels for this historic building.
Introducing Gustafs Linear System
Gustafs Linear System is our brand new cladding system with linear design, utilizing real wood veneer and a Quick-Up installation system.
Gustafs wooden panels with A2-s1,d0
Gustafs’ wood panels are now certified with fire classification A2-s1,d0 according to the European fire class.