Elevating Qualities and Facilitating Flow
Originally built in 1996, the building has been recently been completely revolutionsed into a very cool co-working space designed by Fokkema & Partners which includes office and meeting facilities, an all day bar and a restaurant.
Architect Anne de Bruijn reflects, "The original building had a closed appearance with little communication with the environment. That is why we have made a new design for the entrance building with a transparent facade. We have made strategic spatial interventions in the interior to improve the dynamics and experience. The green plan of the forecourt is a park-like layout with water features and walking paths - reinforces the interior concept. You immediately get a bond, a form of communication with the outside. And inside, the inviting feeling continues."
Crafting an Inviting Environment
Once through the entrance doors, a visitor enters an environment that does not look like a typical office. Architect Anne de Bruijn vividly describes this atmosphere, stating, "One is immediately immersed in the ambiance of a real piazza, adorned with diverse seats, lounge sofas, and lush greenery. The all-day bar, emanating an ethereal glow, was a hidden gem in the original building that we decided to unveil, seamlessly drawing visitors towards it."
The designers specified a Rockfon Color-all suspended ceiling in Clay to fit very well with the green, dark blue, terracotta and natural stone in the scheme. The plank ceiling tiles measuring 2100x600mm were matched with the same colour Bandraster grid. On the long side of the tile, the suspension grid is not visible due to the Dznl edge finish, allowing the designers to create an elegant ceiling finish.
Overcoming Customisation Challenges
The building's distinctive circular design presented ACN Totale Afbouw with a range of customisation challenges during the renovation process. Thomas Jacobsen, manager of ACN Totale Afbouw, elucidates, "Tackling the round shape proved to be quite a feat. To surmount this obstacle, we collaborated with a specialised company to meticulously outline the curves of the walls and ceiling. Armed with these precise measurements, we crafted bespoke shanks and tailored ceiling panels on-site." This diligent implementation of custom-made elements, integrated seamlessly with lighting and sprinklers, culminated in an exquisite and streamlined ceiling design, harmoniously complementing the building's architectural finesse.
Sustainability and Integration
Sustainability constituted a vital cornerstone of the renovation project. ACN Totale Afbouw adeptly reconciled the integration of existing and new installations with optimal acoustic quality. Pieter Egelmeers, Project Manager of Van Aken Concepts, Architecture & Engineering, emphasises the project's dedication to sustainability and seamless integration, asserting, "In response to the increasingly stringent requirements for office buildings, we meticulously adapted the installations to meet current standards and preferences. The result is an environmentally conscious, modern structure that seamlessly incorporates cutting-edge amenities." This commitment fosters a conducive and environmentally friendly working environment, elevating the overall experience within the building.
