| Client | EDGE technologies |
| User | dsm-firmenich |
| Location | Maastricht |
| Square | 10,740 gross floor area / 6,500 leasable floor area |
| Architect | Broekbakema |
| Interior Architect | Fokkema & Partners Architecten |
| Timeline | September 2021 - March 2024 |
Bright and open environment
As innovators in nutrition, health and beauty, dsm-firmenich develops, produces and combines vital nutrients, flavours and fragrances to help the world's growing population thrive. The new headquarters of 10,740 gross floor area is a translation of dsm-firmenich's culture and an underpinning of the company's hybrid way of working. The bright and clubhouse-like open environment allows people to meet and collaborate in a variety of ways. The prominent location between the river and the central station is easily accessible and marks the historical connection with the region as the cradle of dsm-firmenich.
Ensemble old and new
The aim has always been to connect past, present and future. The ensemble of two buildings consists of an old Craft School and a new three- storeys construction of offices above the existing car park of a former cinema. Inspired by the vertical windows of the monument, the façade design of the new building forms a strong rhythm of vertical slats on one plinth, giving the atrium and offices a coherent and recognisable identity. The implementation of solar panels on the facades and roof, combined with smart building sensors make this design ultra sustainable.
How do past, present and future come together in dsm-firmenich's headquarters?
Historical grandeur
The 1911 neo-Renaissance-style national monument has been renovated in historical grandeur and atmosphere. A century ago, a technical craft school for boys opened its doors here. The building structure with high-ceilinged practice rooms, corridors and main staircases has been preserved and historical details, such as the roof beams, have been accentuated. In addition, the building has undergone a technical-innovative upgrade to meet the Paris Proof carbon-neutral ambitions. Combining the various requirements was a complex puzzle. For instance, the required ventilation flow rates of the Breeam Outstanding certification conflicted with the possibilities within a national monument.
Clubhouse spirit
The atrium, the heart of the clubhouse, is the ideal place to meet. Located on Wilhelminasingel is the inviting, green main entrance. Here, you enter the atrium via a staircase with a ramp and a large tree box. At a glance, you experience how the grandeur of the national monument and the new construction come together. This has been achieved through architectural interventions such as a spacious open staircase, galleries, balconies, and a bridge.
Additionally, the harmonious finish of the wooden new-build facade and the monumental brick facade contribute to this. The atrium has a welcoming, grand café-like atmosphere.
The interior complements and enhances the shell design by using round shapes, and warm natural materials. As a sustainable aspect, the furniture has been reused and harvested as much as possible. Emission-free materials have been used according to Well Platinum standard, and the processing of the custom-made furniture is modular and demountable.
A living room-like atmosphere prevails on the office floors. With a unique colour scheme on each floor, the orientation is made clear for the user.
Step into the north-facing garden, designed with nature in mind - a green haven for both community and wildlife.
A green environment for all
The open layout of the dsm-firmenich headquarters boosts activity in the city district of Wyck. The new-building’s exterior subtly differentiates with a setback on the third floor. With green patios on the west facade, this provides a natural integration with the character of the surrounding neighbourhood.
The building offers contact with 'outside' in numerous places, such as at the roof terrace above the main entrance with wide views. As the workplaces are mainly located on the outer façade, employees have access to plenty of natural daylight everywhere. In the atrium, many natural elements have been added such as plant groups with trees to promote the well-being and environmental awareness of the users.
Entering the rear garden on the north side, you can see that it has been built nature-inclusively, with provisions for bats, swifts, hedgehogs, martens and bees. This makes it a green space for the neighbourhood and the animals that live there.
Ultimately, the complex task, with high sustainable ambitions for the building, its surroundings and with respect for the national monument, resulted in a unique dsm-firmenich headquarters - bringing progress to life.
Project partners
EDGE Technologies, Broekbakema, MOSS, ABT, DGMR, BAM, BBN, Ahrend, 3W Real Estate, Intra Lighting, Verwol, Huygen, Soons Interieurbouw, Equans, Donkergroep, Veldhoen + Company
Photography Norbert van Onna
