Market research agency Ruigrok | NetPanel was looking for an interior deign to make the former grain silo more its own. The workplaces could be placed mostly in the open space, but there was also a need for a number of extra research rooms. CUBE designed the 'research BOX' and gave color and warmth to the sturdy concrete space. The BOX out of glass, steel and wood is located directly near the entrance so that the groups to be interviewed can be received at the door and the office itself can remain completely open. In order not to block out too much daylight, the BOX has been kept transparent with PROFILIT glass profiles. The BOX is also low enough to let in daylight from the higher windows.
The house colors of Ruigrok | NetPanel, purple and burgundy, are combined with more pale colors such as concrete gray, wood and greenglass. CUBE has retained the atmosphere of the silo where possible and has opted for large elements and clear shapes. Industrial icons indicate a number of different functions in the building. Reference work and reproduced reports from market research agency Ruigrok | NetPanel has been given a place in an almost kitsch classic library corner. Between the huge concrete silos is an old leather sofa, a notary lamp and a dark bookcase complete with a library ladder.
When the examination rooms are occupied, meeting can be held on the upper floor around one of the silos behind semi-transparent acoustic panels. The panels offer privacy and have a favorable effect on the acoustics of the concrete space. A wooden floor and an almost 4 meter high illuminated canvas accentuate the lunch area where everybody eats together at one large table on colored chairs. The canvas features portraits of all employees.
The toilets contain almost 3000 business cards that director Marja Ruigrok collected in the 15 years that her company was founded. All walls and floors are covered with these business cards and a layer of epoxy resin seals them off.
Only 7 weeks after the assignment to CUBE_architecten, Ruigrok | NetPanel 1 moved into the new office and enjoyed it ever since. Some additions were made over the years, like hanging planters that double as lighting fixtures and extra meeting rooms behind steel and glass on the upper floors.
