You can almost feel the sand between your toes in this office-villa at a stone’s throw away from the beach. Here you overlook the strikingly blue waters of the harbour with a number of elegant sailing boats knotted to the solid wooden mooring posts. We couldn't help but be inspired by these special surroundings. Our design combines the setting of an intimate beach villa and a raw harbour atmosphere where work is done!
Client Masman Bosman en Wolkers & Co
Square 800 m2
Timeline February 2021 - April 2022
Architectuur ontwerp, architectenbureau Fokkema & Partners, accountant kantoor, gietvloer, transparante scheidingswanden, stalen entreebalie

Atmospheres that stimulate the mind
The design is purposeful but original. The interior reflects the rough harbour atmosphere through the finishes of the exposed concrete structure, combined with rust paint on the walls which imitate Corten steel. The sturdy open ceiling creates a spacious feeling. In addition, the plywood cupboards are a nod to old shipping crates. The staircase's balustrades, finished with woven rope, are reminiscent of fishing boats and recur as a graphic pattern on some of the transparent walls.

The whole is modest but sophisticated, worked out in carefully matched materials and colour combinations. The different shades of grey, rust, pink, sand, blue and green are drawn from the landscape. The detailed design, with lounge nooks and soft-touch flooring in a matte cast, creates an intimate feeling - as if you were staying in a comfortable beach villa.

There is a natural transition between the outside surroundings and the spatial design which encourages the users to approach their working environment in this same way; as a place where they can wander and explore.

Architectuur ontwerp, architectenbureau Fokkema & Partners, accountant kantoor, gietvloer, op maat gemaakte houten kasten met detaillering scheepsbouw

Making place: for internal and external use
This contrast between a cosy private atmosphere and a robust working atmosphere is fully in line with the function of the building.

In the attractive open working environment, there is space for connectivity and creativity for ca. 30 employees who were previously used to working in private offices. The various workstations still meet individual needs, such as working standing up or sitting down, but also give the flexibility to change your workstation. A central block with transparent consultation spaces, for video calls and meetings, divides the work zone into a number of intimate pockets. The difference in floor height makes the open space exciting and diverse.

The entrance floor welcomes clients in a spacious and inviting environment. This area has a lively view of the harbour. The meeting rooms in this area have a homely and comfortable appearance with both a conference table and a seating area. These rooms are enclosed by rust and semi-transparent glass walls to ensure the customers’ privacy.

Architectuur ontwerp, architectenbureau Fokkema & Partners, accountant kantoor, gietvloer, op maat gemaakte houten kasten, transparante scheidingswand

User Engagement
The design evolved during the process due to the client's enthusiasm. It evolved from a pragmatic plan to a complete design with comfortable tactility, which positively surprised both ourselves and the client.

The joined voyage of discovery can give the client a fresh perspective on their work experience. It challenges us to listen to the client and look for qualitative and original yet practical solutions - such as the adjusted file cabinets, which provide shelter in the open work structure.

We are proud to have received positive feedback from the users. The functionality and detailing of the design are in a fine balance. The office has been transformed into a work experience that fits the company’s story and vision for the future.

Project partners: Verwol, Desque, Van Ginderen, NEVO and IT solutions
Photography: Lucas van der Wee