RayLab – a new office in the making

Maria Andersson, Office & Facility Manager and RayLab Construction Project Manager reflects on the progress made in 2020.

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT Slated for opening in late 2021, the new RayLab is growing by leaps and bounds. The environmentally certified structure will be home to the new RaySearch® headquarters in Hagastaden, Stockholm’s leading life science hub.

Combining timeless elegance with modern innovation, RayLab will “bring the outdoors in”, with appealing and inspiring workspaces offering all the modern conveniences of urban dwelling, co-mingled with the lush and organic elements of nature and greenery.

“We want to create a workspace where people feel energized, motivated and inspired. Work/Life balance is extremely important to RaySearch, and the new headquarters is designed with the objective of bringing more life into the daily work aspect,” Andersson explains.

BUILDING THE DREAM It was only natural when the concept of the new headquarters was formed, that contentment, well-being, and sustainability were considered tantamount to logistics, form and function. The use of natural and tactile materials like stone, wood, and abundant greenery makes for a varied and welcoming interior. Lush landscaping, indoor garden areas, and plenty of places to relax, will invite people to meet and mingle – all while maintaining productivity.

In addition to developing innovative software solutions to fight the battle against cancer, another important element in the driving force of the company is a deeply rooted investment in the health and wellness of its people. RaySearch staff will have their own bistro and rooftop terrace, a fully equipped exercise facility and changing rooms, a large bicycle room, and charging stations for electric vehicles among their amenities.

“RayLab will be a place of innovation, but work and comfort do not have to be mutually exclusive,” affirms Andersson.

SUSTAINABILITY IN ACTION RaySearch will retain and re-utilize 95% of the furnishings from their former office for use in the new building. “We can repurpose what we already have and purchase only what we need,” Andersson says. “Obtaining materials during a global pandemic, and keeping the project cogwheels turning is a challenge, but we manage, by being resourceful and responsible in our planning.”

BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER “When this project began in 2019 – the end game seemed a long way away. We had a vision of what we wanted to create, but at the time, that was all we had,“ Andersson recalls.

Large scale ventures like these require the collective effort of many. Designers, architects, engineers, and numerous contractors have to pull together to meet the needs of the client and bring their vision to life in a concrete way.

“Every day, there is observable progress happening, and the vision comes to life a little bit more. It has been a source of great pride to work with such a dedicated team on this rewarding and meaningful project.”