Five important core values for the sisyfos project

The project of refining Wenngarn stems from a couple of basic core values. They are vital in that they enable us to all pull together, and also for the foundation of the open, welcoming society we are trying to establish.

During the first phase, from the 1st of October to the 1st of June 2014 thirteen specific projects were undertaken: hotel, restaurant, castle, kulturstallet (roughly “culture stable”), park, gym- and business centre and conference facility, just to mention a few. The project ended the 1st of June in conjunction with the opening of Wenngarn Summer. We took off our working clothes and revealed Wenngarn in its developed and refined shape.

REFINEMENT Many buildings here at Wenngarn have been given new functions: the institute for alcoholics, the stable, the concrete factory, the castle, the conservatory – the list goes on. When we renovate and introduce or add a new function we try preserve the history embedded in the walls, but adapt and create functions so that buildings, localities and real-estate can be used by people today.

To refine is the opposite of alter, deconstruct or rebuild. The character, history and architecture are being preserved and enhanced with consideration to those who have lived and worked there. Refining also entails a focus on an eco-friendly re-using of environments, material and origins and to bring back to life the history behind it all.

OVERALL VIEW In order to create a society you need to adopt an overall view, every function (healthcare, school, preservation, work opportunities) and every category of people (young, old, families, rich, poor) will be able to find their place.

The overall view follows us in everything we do and plan for the estate. When deciding what houses to build, what type of events to create, in what manner to renovate the gardens. You will also find available places for parties, conference, and living at the properties. At Wenngarn people should be able to live, work and meet. The building will offer a mixture of activities and businesses that contribute to a pleasurable, interesting and rewarding atmosphere.

OPENNESS Wenngarn has been a closed community during the last century and that is why openness is highly prioritized by us. Everyone is welcome here and the location will be

accessible, welcoming and open to the public. There is a beautiful park, gardens, and an open castle with a unique chapel inside. By this openness the buildings and commerce at Wenngarn becomes open for all.

PARTICIPATION A society is not build by a select few, but built together with those who can imagine to live and make a livelihood within it. By igniting participation and engaging people, companies and associations in an early stage we can attempt to create a society that is based upon actual needs that can compliment the existing society. Via networks that are relevant to people with ideas and ambition we invite various parties to participate. This includes both visitors and those who chose to live and work at Wenngarn. Through networking relationships are created which, in turn, generates ideas for the activities at Wenngarn.

PASSION We are passionate about this project and if we can channel our passion and sentiments for Wenngarn to our surroundings we generate ambassadors that, in turn, will carry on a vibrant story telling in a natural, genuine and sincere manner. Wenngarns history fascinates, creates a sense of awe and inspires to wellbeing and passion.

INSCRIPTION ON THE GABLE OF THE CASTLE: HANC DOMUM EXSTRUXIT ILLUSTRIS PRINCEPS GUSTAVUS DUX SAXONIAE MDXCI

(The illustrious duke Gustav built this house 1591)

Map depicting the estates of Wenngarn from the 18th century.

Painted inner ceiling in the staircase.

Chapel inside castle, one of few Swedish church interiors from 17th century stormaktstid (era of great power), which is still in practically perfect condition.

Open castle door facing the park (private photo from the middle of the 20th century)

“I myself never had feelings of doubt. Here you have incredibly beautiful surroundings, closeness to Stockholm, Uppsala and Arlanda airport, fantastic historical sites, a castle from the baroque era with an adjacent chapel and an astonishing park that stems from the 17th century.”

– Olle Larsson