Archello Awards 2026 · Enter your projects before 30 September 2026
Archello Awards 2026 · Enter your projects before 30 September 2026

Rabobank Administration Centre

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The commission for the new Rabobank administrative centre in Utrecht, the Netherlands, comprises the development of two completely new high-rise towers and the partial renovation of the existing building. The entire complex will be designed as a single campus area. The edge of the campus is formed by a continuous roof and a delicate plinth. This plinth connects all the buildings of the complex and frames the area’s central plaza. The existing buildings and the new development stand as individual volumes on this plinth. The new development consists of two transparent 105-m towers, of which one is slightly turned so that the towers do not run parallel to one another. The towers are connected by a glass veil. Points of departure in designing the complex as a whole were a strong ambition to work according to principles of sustainable construction, the realisation of a completely contemporary office concept and a high level of transparency throughout.

Rabo Bank Tower

Applied products
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Our product "BubbleDeck" is chosen because with this type of slab it was possible to build 27 storeys within 104 meters (104 meters was the limit). Mass was limited because of the conditions of the ground.

Shape, because without the BubbleDeck system, this shape was not possible (compete freedom of design).


Brand description
The BubbleDeck® technology is a pre-fabricated structure with superior characteristics to solid slab. Plastic balls serve the purpose of eliminating concrete which has weight but no carrying effect. The BubbleDeck technology can reduce construction material weight up to 50%. BubbleDeck system- ECONOMIC ADVANTAGES The amount of materials - concrete, columns, rebar, transfer beams and other materials - is reduced by up to 50%: 1 kg recycled plastic replaces 100 kg concrete. Slabs are factory produced and shipped to site as required. Transportation costs are substantially reduced. Shoring is considerably reduced and BubbleDeck slabs replace expensive formwork. Pre-fabrication and easy installation result in faster construction time. Less man-hours equals lower costs and overhead. Clients get a design they want for a better price. Interior finishing is less costly. Life span of buildings is greater. The potential saving of a building designed with the BubbleDeck technology is 25% of the structural cost. BubbleDeck system - SUPERIOR DESIGN The BubbleDeck system allows for superior design flexibility - dramatic architectural shapes, larger spans and overhangs. No drop beams or carrying walls and fewer columns are required allowing for spacious and flexible interior layouts. Interior layouts are easily altered throughout the building's lifetime. The BubbleDeck technology conforms to engineering designs and building codes, has less weight and less seismic load. Build what you want, not what you must - the BubbleDeck system allows you thinking outside the box. BubbleDeck system - THE GREEN DECK Less energy consumption - in production, transportation and construction. Less emissions - exhaust gases and vapors during production, transport and on-site; (CO2 and other emissions - reduced up to 50%). Less material consumption - cement, aggregates, water, steel. Every BubbleDeck component can be recycled. RECOGNITION The BubbleDeck technology has undergone extensive testing at accredited facilities in Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Romania, Brazil and Malaysia. The BubbleDeck system has received awards for innovation, performance, quality and environmental achievement. A BubbleDeck slab is engineered like a solid slab - but - the BubbleDeck system has greater benefits.

Interior Rabobank Headquaters

In 2009 emma was selected to be part of a cluster of 5 designers for the new Rabobank headquarters interior.


The design project revolved around the question how to accommodate 6000+ workers of who none has an own desk or room. ‘Rabobank unplugged’ was the title of this new way of working. Emma designed several meeting rooms, concentration spaces, work desks and relax environments. These are designed to form a recognizable family of environments spread throughout the enormous building in which employees can find intimacy in the otherwise vast and impersonal spaces.


This intimacy gives them the confidence and ease to work together in places that are not their own, and facilitates instant team spirit. The objects are constructed by layering three different kinds of Dutch wood in a multi-dimensional repetitive pattern. They address all senses; the sight, smell, touch, and even acoustics of these environments are so specific that people are able to find them easily and personally relate to them even when they cannot, under the ‘Rabobank unplugged’ regime, can call them their own.

Brand description
Emma is working on significant buildings that are made with care with care fit, which are beautiful and lovely old may be in their environment. Emma is in and around buildings where users lead a happy and healthy life. Emma was founded in 2005 by partners architects Jurg Duke and Marten de Jong. Jurg Duke leads Emma Create, design and implementation arm of Emma. Create Emma operates from her studio in Amsterdam with an international team of designers and engineers. Marten de Jong gives substance to Explore Emma, emma's independent think tank for spatial issues. Emma driven works for clients who expect a clear performance. Emma designs, builds, and thought processes.
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