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Architects: Voss Architecture
- Area: 9100 m²
- Year: 2016
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Photographs:Guido Erbring, Voss architecture
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Manufacturers: Saint-Gobain, Arturo Unique Flooring, Nimbus Group
Text description provided by the architects. The challenge in this project was the transformation from a dull, outdated office block to an inspiring and energizing meeting place, based on the ideas of our client, Brand Loyalty, a worldwide player in retail loyalty. The client had a distinguished view on the looks of an office; a professional but homely feel, combined with transparency and as many open areas as possible. Everything with a ‘hospitality’ feel to it.
The office also functions as a meeting point and knowledge centre where employees from all over the world can update their skills. Thanks to a fully equipped auditorium and training rooms now seminars, workshops and training can be done in-house.
During the transition the whole building is stripped and big atria are made to get more light into the heart of the building. In the main atrium, close to the entrance, a sculptural spiral staircase is designed. This eyecatcher, together with the submerged pool in the floor of the central lobby, immediately defines the special space you are entering. The atmosphere of the entrance area is designed after a hotel lobby, open and welcoming.
The structural cores of the building were originally finished with gravel concrete. To fit in with the new warm and natural look and feel they are clad with dark, grooved wood. Thin enough to steam and bend around the round corners of the cores. This new finish really stands out in contrast with the natural stone floor on the ground floor and the white stucco walls and open staircase.
The restaurant on the ground floor is designed like a modern restaurant you find in the city. It has an open kitchen that serves a small menu every day where the employees can choose from. Around the kitchen there are several different areas you can eat and meet. They differ in type and form of seating and atmosphere, so everyone can find his or her favourite spot.
On the other side of the entrance lobby a coffee bar / after work bar is designed. The walls here are finished in dark brown leather, that combined with the custom wooden furniture and elegant lighting creates a warm, comfortable atmosphere. Making this also a perfect meeting place during the day.
Designing the actual office floors was a challenge. How to make an office that should not resemble an office? To create a warm, but at the same time still professional, look-and-feel we designed a lot of the furniture ourselves. The pantries, the build-in sideboards, but also all workplaces, finished in elms wood. Being able to do so gave us the opportunity to refine the overall design en atmosphere into the smallest details.
Now the office is in use our mission seems to be accomplished. The office really is an inspiring meeting place you wish you would never have to leave!
Product Description. An important element of interior design, that is easily overlooked, is lighting. In this project the lighting also needed to be sophisticated, modern, but still blend in with the overall atmosphere of hospitality and warmth. The Nimbus lighting appliances we used in the design really do this. They fit in, but at the same time also add a new dimension to the design. The Office Air lights are even integrated into the desks to create an environment where the lighting really part of the overall design and a natural element in the room.
