Design-driven innovation agency van Berlo initiated the transformation, while in search for their own new headquarters. They envisioned a unique working space, an ecosystem for the innovative industries. One of the main aims of the design to create a a hyper-modern, multi-tenant building where different companies meet, inspire and stimulate innovation.

A central passage was created as a clear cut in the building. A straight line trough the heart spanning the original central backbone. A Skylight spanning the full length brings light into the otherwise dark centre of the building and reveals the magnitude of the old heavy concrete structure. The various tenants all have offices arranged along the passage, with glazed walls enhancing the feeling of connection between them.

Several of the contemporary interventions are based on parts of the original design that were never built, including a steel vertical garden which completes the symmetrical form as it was initially intended. The new addition contains meeting rooms, a glass elevator and emergency exits in a delicate transparent box that contrasts with the existing monumental structure and hints at the transition towards more sustainable energy production.

At the rear of the building, a glass extension follows the lines and rhythm of the existing structure to ensure visual consistency between the old and new sections.

The other interventions are kept small, to ensure that the monumental industrial character of the building stays visible. Within the renovation, there was also great attention for sustainability. Due to HR + glass, solar panels, newly isolated walls and roofs, the building now has an A+ energy label.

Credits: - De Bever Architectuur - Founder / Architect - Stefan de Bever - Atelier van Berlo - Founder / Architect - Janne van Berlo - Eugelink Architctuur - Founder / Architect - Margriet Eugelink