The interior concept "Hjemme" (Danish) is a response to the emphatic desire of Webstores to want a distinct and well-functioning multifunctional interior where employees really feel at home. With the right balance between open spaces and closed spaces, the human scale is pleasant. The Scandinavian atmosphere supports the various characters of activities, contributes to employees feeling at home, attracting new talent and working intensively with customers.
With four months of intensive co-creation between Architecten_Lab, SKO b.v. and Harmeling realized the complete layout for the new housing of Webstores in Hardenberg from design to delivery. Webstores grew to almost 50 employees in a short time and has now become one of the largest employers in this branch in the north-east of the Netherlands. The new accommodation in the business center building "Heemserhoek" has been in use by Rabobank since 2013. However, the second, third and fourth floors of this attractive visual location of approximately 5,500 m2, close to the 'entrance' of Hardenberg, were completely redesigned for Webstores.
The walls of the closed spaces are covered with solid oak slats, which are placed closer together at the bottom. Locally parts of the walls have been left blank intentionally, so that no appearance is the same. This dynamic creates variation in the background of the open spaces. The insides of the walls have acoustic panels that are 60% made from recycled PET bottles. In combination with the colorful and sustainable bulletin board, each room gets its own atmosphere. The carpet tiles refer to pavers from the street scene and are made from 100% recycled nylon. The strikingly chosen furniture radiates the energy of the company, which is also emphasized with a swing in the hallway.The biggest challenge was ambitious planning. It has been saved with blood, sweat and tears.
The click that was there from the outset with the implementing parties and Webstores undoubtedly contributed to this. It is great to have had such a large share in project design from design to delivery.Hjemme is Scandinavian for "home". And that is exactly what Webstores wants, to feel at home in the office! The design consists of a number of 'houses' that are positioned in the open space in such a way that the space around it is also pleasant.The position of these "houses" create a new semi-open office space, creating a quiet working environment. These "houses" are multifunctional and are used as an office, for consultations, presentations, brainstorms or for a quiet call. The concept "Hjemme" has been reinforced with the chosen furniture and materials. Extensive use of wood and large glass walls with a mix of soft pastel colors enhance the Scandinavian character.
Every day, employees can choose how they want to work that day. In addition to various arrangements of desks, there are also various landing areas, collaboration areas, a quiet area and focus workplaces. To promote creativity in the organization, a brainstorming space has been designed where ideas can be exchanged in various configurations.The wooden strips on the "houses" are besides aesthetic also functional for hanging whiteboards, for example. Customers can easily join and even participate in the team. All workplaces are equipped with a sit / stand desk and an optimal ergonomic office chair. Deskbikes and the shared fitness room on the fourth floor give employees the best opportunity to stay healthy.
Relaxation is part of hard work! Already in the old office was a game room. In the new setup, however, this has been included in a complete café setting and can be used by other tenants for Friday afternoon drinks, meet-ups and other meetings. Given the position of this function in the building, we have devised a beautiful sky bar for the set-up of the café, with maximum views over Hardenberg.
