Our team in Malmö, Sweden, teamed up with Stena Fastigheter to renovate and upgrade one of Malmö’s most iconic exterior neon signs, located at Stortorget. The project was grounded in a shared commitment to sustainability and circular design, focusing on reducing environmental impact while preserving the sign’s historic character.

Rather than replacing the original structure, the team reused the existing frame and supporting construction, maintaining the sign’s familiar silhouette and avoiding the need for new materials. The old, energy-intensive neon lighting, much of which was no longer functional, was replaced with high-efficiency LED modules installed inside the original letterforms.

To retain the nostalgic neon glow, the new sign fronts were created from 15mm round-routed 100% recycled acrylic, designed to emulate the visual character of traditional neon tubes. This approach allowed the sign to remain a recognisable feature of Malmö’s cityscape while meeting modern sustainability standards.

A key challenge was integrating the new lighting system with the existing mechanical structure without altering the sign’s original appearance. Close collaboration between design, fabrication, and installation teams ensured the upgraded sign maintained its iconic look while achieving improved performance, energy efficiency, and longevity.

Sustainability was central to every decision:

• Reused sign frame and roof mounting structure, reducing approximately 2,000 kg CO₂e in emissions.
• Replacement of 1,700 W neon with 400 W LED modules, saving around 5,000 kWh annually (~400 kg CO₂e every five years).

Use of 100% recycled acrylic for the sign fronts, combining environmental responsibility with high-quality aesthetics.

This project is a strong example of how smart, responsible design decisions can deliver tangible climate benefits while preserving heritage. We are proud to collaborate with Stena Fastigheter on a project that demonstrates sustainability, innovation, and care for Malmö’s cityscape.