In the heart of Arvika, the Smedberg nursing home (a service accommodation built in the mid-1970s) is about to enter a major renovation phase. Starting in August 2025, the project will invest approximately 73 million SEK (6 million EUR) to completely refurbish the building’s interior, replace windows, and renew the roof. Completion is planned for July 2026, when residents will move back into the upgraded facility. The home consists of 20 apartments, including shared spaces for residents, and provides specialized care for people living with dementia.
As part of the CircleBIM project, the renovation will be used as a pilot to explore how digital tools and circular construction principles can be applied in the context of public healthcare buildings. The aim is to identify opportunities for the reuse and recycling of building components and materials, such as refrigerators, kitchen interiors, and other equipment, while documenting these processes to inform future projects. An initial building inventory is currently underway.
The pilot is being delivered through a partnering contract with the construction company T3, alongside a network of specialised contractors in electrical, ventilation, painting, flooring, control, and regulatory services. It is supported by a strong local partnership that includes Arvika Kommun, Arvika Fastighets AB, Teknik i Väst, SustainaCon Sweden AB, and neighbouring municipalities Eda and Arjäng. Additional stakeholders such as Hållbart byggande i Värmland and Region Värmland will contribute expertise to strengthen regional capacity for circular construction.
Through this collaboration, the Smedberg project will not only deliver a modernized, energy-efficient care facility but also serve as a learning platform for developing and applying the transnational CircleBIM framework in real-world renovation projects.
Image © SustainaCon
