Culture as Foundation
This company isn’t just about work; it’s about people. Employees are seen as family, and that requires an environment that reinforces this sense of belonging.
Since the floor spans two wings, we designed a central hub—not a standard reception or atrium, but a modern kitchen with a bar. The spot where a pot of soup is always simmering, where the first coffee of the day is poured. A place where colleagues naturally gather, linger, and engage in conversation.
The tiled bar is a nod to the late 1950s when the building was constructed. But tiles often lead to waste—cutting, trimming, and discarding excess material. To avoid this, we designed a floating bar that precisely matched the tile dimensions, eliminating any need for cutting.
The rest of the interior features warm textiles, rich colors, and wood tones that soften the raw concrete. A band of light wood runs across the entire floor, visually tying the space together without making it feel rigid.
Open, Connected and Energy-Efficient. Future-Proof!
We ignored the existing corridor structure and opted for an open floor plan—no unnecessary doors, just fluid transitions between spaces. Functional elements subtly divide the space while maintaining cohesion. Acoustic materials counteract the dreaded office echo, ensuring a calm atmosphere.
With secondary glazing, a heat pump, a heat exchanger, and insulated exterior walls, this office is designed to be extremely energy-efficient—ready for the future.
The end result? A mix of Rotterdam’s no-nonsense attitude and raw concrete, balanced by warm tones and lush greenery. A workspace that doesn’t just function—it feels like home.
