Essem is very serious about hallways indeed, believing that “the hallway is the architect’s way of saying hello and goodbye.” It is not only a functional room, but also a space that creates a first and last impression. This high regard for hallways was the cornerstone of their identity.

‘Hej’ and ‘Hej då’ (Hello and Goodbye) are the greetings most commonly used in a hallway. As a result, all printed materials greet the reader on the front and wish them goodbye on the back. This concept extends to every aspect of the Essem brand, where functional design is tempered by crafted details and a human touch.

The brand is tied together by a distinct typography that nods to the functionalism and industrial heritage of Essem’s production chain in Småland, southern Sweden. This same simplicity and focus on heritage carries over to the natural cardboard used in packaging materials and the monochrome palette throughout.