SHERATON HOTEL: Courtyard Renovation

The site

The courtyard of Sheraton Hotel is a hidden gem in central Stockholm, quietly preserving a blend of 17th-century ornamentation and 1960s landscape artistry. Described by the Swedish National Heritage Board (Riksantikvarieämbetet) as “one of Stockholm’s best examples of the highly stylized landscape and garden art of the 1960s,” the courtyard features a decorative stone portal, a central fountain, and a high-quality original paving.

While the spatial qualities remain largely intact, the site currently lacks greenery. The generous paved surface, though well-preserved, creates a hard, uninviting atmosphere. A planting area—once home to a weeping willow—stands empty, and the water feature near the portal has fallen dormant. The existing steel structure supporting the archway is in need of careful repair.

The vision

Our proposal aims to reactivate this important inner space with a respectful, phased strategy that aligns with the recent renovation of the hotel. A contemplative space that honors its past while subtly evolving to being the element of the hotel’s identity. Rather than reinventing the space, the project strengthens its presence, follows courtyard’s original design logic while carefully layering natural and architectural elements to deepen visual interest.

The material and color palette is drawn from the newly updated interiors, with the goal of strengthening the connection between the courtyard, the building’s street-facing facade, and its interior atmosphere.

Phase 1: Essentials

The first phase focuses on immediate restoration and activation:

Paving: The existing stone surface will be cleaned, repaired, and re-exposed to highlight its historical quality. Any damaged or sunken elements will be leveled.

Water feature: The original fountain will be repaired and reconnected, reintroducing sound and movement to the space.

Tree planting: A Japanese maple will be planted in the central tree pit. This species offers delicate foliage, vibrant seasonal color, and a modest scale appropriate for the enclosed space.

Planters: Five freestanding planters will introduce soft vegetation without compromising the heritage paving. These will be coordinated in color and material with the interior finishes.

Arch: The steel frame supporting the stone arch will be repainted in a tone aligned with the new building palette, restoring its visual and structural clarity.

Phase 2: Premium Upgrade

The second phase introduces more greenery and more lush courtyard:

Additional planters: More planters are added to soften corners, and frame views across the courtyard, around the water – to ground it visually and create a more intimate central focus.

Climbing plants: Wild wine climbing plant will bring the life the steel elements that support historical arch and reinfore the sense of an urban garden.

Perennial groundcover: A “carpet” of shade-tolerant perennial plants will be laid, creating a seasonal, low-maintenance green layer that softens the courtyard’s overall character.