Swedish-American Chambers of Commerce of USA, Inc.

To Enhance Scandinavian and U.S. Image,

Bavarian Nordic Came to House of Sweden

Since the House of Sweden opened in 2006, it has wowed and awed Washingtonians and visitors to Washington with its dramatic architecture and wonderful setting, hosting numerous events and serving as home to several offices and residences for many of Washington’s leading companies and individuals.

Bavarian Nordic, a prominent Danish biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of safe and effective vaccines against infectious diseases and cancer, was one of the first tenants in the 19 office suites and apartments, which occupy the top two floors of the House of Sweden.

“Business in Washington is all about creating and nurturing relationships,” says Espen D. Kateraas, Vice President and Director of Customer Affairs for North America and Middle East for Bavarian Nordic. “We want to be a part of a Scandinavian image and collaborate with other Scandinavian and international businesses using Washington, D.C as a base. You don’t necessarily have to be a Swedish company to establish your presence here, but you can very effectively promote Scandinavian-U.S. business relations from the House of Sweden while preserving your own identity.”

Mr. Kateraas, notes with irony that he is “a Norwegian-American representing a Danish company in the House of Sweden.” But he says, “Such a combination is fitting for a company that wants to be a part of the global community, and the House of Sweden fits right into that philosophy.”

Bavarian Nordic moved into the House of Sweden shortly after it opened in October 2006, combining two suites into one to make its offices. The company was awarded a $500 million contract from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Mr. Kateraas was hired from New York to set up the company’s offices in Washington.

When Mr. Kateraas went looking for office space, he knew that “Washington is always dynamic and never stagnant. There is also a great deal of U.S. competitiveness. It is critical to be represented in a credible way.”

He adds, “It’s what real estate people say – ‘location, location, location.’ And Georgetown is synonymous with credibility and prestige.”

Mr. Kateraas finds the House of Sweden very inviting, with easy accessibility, while being structured around security. There are a broad range of amenities for tenants and visitors, and plenty of opportunities to network with both U.S. and international dignitaries. Additionally, it is within walking distance of many of the most attractive Washington historical sites and entertainment facilities.

All the apartments have floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious balconies that offer spectacular views of either the Potomac River or Rock Creek Park.

Services include event, conference and reception facilities, and communication services such as cable TV, hi-speed Internet via Broadband cabling, Wi-Fi, a state-of-the-art VOIP phone system and excellent in-house cellular coverage.

The House of Sweden has been awarded Sweden’s most prestigious architecture award, the Kasper Salin Prize for best building. The award is a testament to the work and creativity of Gert Windgårdh and Tomas Hansen, the architects who designed the building. Their design features openness and transparency, both unusual features for an embassy building, and fosters an atmosphere of positive, creative cooperation.

By SUSANNA MICHELSEN

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