Avaeksperdid installed 3.5 km of roller blinds in Swedbank’s new headquarters.
Avaeksperdid have completed a special collaboration project in one of Tallinn’s most prominent business districts – the Arter Quarter. The tallest tower in the quarter, a 28-story building, is now Swedbank’s new headquarters. The bank moved into the new building earlier this year, marking the end of an era of more than 30 years at the beginning of Liivalaia Street. Swedbank’s goal was to create a modern, energy-efficient, and employee-friendly work environment – and window coverings play an important role in achieving that vision.
Swedbank’s expectations for window coverings.
Swedbank, as one of Estonia’s largest employers, approached the furnishing of its new flagship office holistically. The goal was not just a visually appealing office, but an environment where employees feel comfortable and well, and whose energy efficiency supports the bank’s sustainability objectives.
“Since we have created an entirely new work environment, it is important that the roller blinds fit the room’s design and are functional. We have invested so much that it would be unthinkable for any element to feel random,”
— Katrin Meos, Swedbank’s Head of Employee Well-being
Watch the solution in the video:
For Swedbank, three principles were essential: aesthetics, energy efficiency, and ease of use. Since the new headquarters is a high-rise building with glass facades, it was especially important to ensure comfortable lighting and suitable temperature for employees all year round. The window coverings must provide protection against sunlight and UV radiation while maintaining natural light and a sense of spaciousness.
“Our priority was that the window coverings are easy to use and that everyone can adjust the amount of light according to their needs. At the same time, we didn’t want dark rooms – it’s important that the blinds still let light through and maintain a connection with the outside world,” added Meos.
In addition to design and comfort, window coverings also play an important role in Swedbank’s green strategy. Properly selected roller blinds help reduce energy consumption by ensuring a better indoor climate without excessive heating or cooling.
Light as the key to productivity
In addition, interior designers and architects always consider how to keep people in workspaces feeling positive and productive. Employee productivity and well-being are significantly influenced by how light is managed in the room. Studies have shown that a work environment where employees can control the amount of light themselves increases satisfaction, concentration, and reduces fatigue. For example, it has been found that a combination of daylight and adjustable shading improved employee work efficiency by up to 12% (Building and Environment, 2019).
The manually operated roller blinds used in Swedbank’s new headquarters workspaces give employees the ability to create a lighting environment that suits their needs depending on the time of day, weather, and task. This ensures that everyone can avoid glare or excessive heat while maintaining natural light and spaciousness, which is essential for mental well-being. Such flexibility supports the office’s energy efficiency and helps create an environment where employees feel comfortable, stay focused, and can perform at their best.
Avaeksperdid: technical precision and expertise
For Avaeksperdid, this was a large-scale and technically exciting project.
“We manufactured and installed approximately 2,600 roller blinds in Swedbank’s new headquarters, using more than 3,500 meters of fabric,” explained Sirje Randoja, Project Manager at Avaeksperdid.
“The whole process was very interesting – after all, this is the tallest building in Estonia. The project lasted about half a year and required precision at every step,”
— Sirje Randoja, Project Manager at Avaeksperdid
Most of the windows in Swedbank’s new building were fitted with manually operated roller blinds, while the 28th floor features motorized solutions that can be controlled by remote. All blind solutions are made from high-quality screen-type fabric, which provides protection against UV radiation and overheating while preserving the view and natural light.
View the photo gallery of roller blind solutions in Swedbank’s office:
“Roller blinds help reduce energy consumption – in summer they keep rooms cooler and in winter they help retain heat,” added Randoja. “Thanks to their structure, they protect both furniture and people from excessive sunlight and heat, while ensuring a comfortable and pleasant light environment.”
The result is a comfortable and smart work environment
Employee feedback at Swedbank has been very positive – the window coverings have helped create a pleasant and calm working atmosphere that supports focus and well-being. “Employees are really happy,” confirmed Katrin Meos. “We’ve received feedback that even more sensitive individuals, such as employees with migraines, can work better here – the blinds help avoid excessive light intensity without having to sit in darkness.”
Swedbank’s new headquarters is now one of Tallinn’s most modern and comfortable work environments, where every detail – including 3.5 kilometers of roller blinds – supports the company’s values and employee well-being.
Facts about this project:
- Location: Arter kvartal, Tallinn
- Building: Swedbank’s new headquarters, 28 floors
- Roller blinds in total: approx. 2600
- Fabric in total: approx. 3500 meters
- Material: screen-type fabric
- Technology: manually operated and motorized blinds
- Project duration: 6 months
Would you like to know how to create the same smart and energy-efficient window covering solution for your office? Contact Avaeksperdid and get advice from our specialists.