A significant proportion of reused furniture
Sander van Koutrik, Account Manager at Gispen, explains: ‘We started by taking stock of all the existing furniture at the former office locations. We then assessed which products were suitable for reuse. This turned out to be more than expected – around 40%, in fact. Some products only needed a deep clean before they were ready to be used again. Other furniture was refurbished at our Circular Hub, including reupholstering armchairs, seating units and sofas.
In addition, approximately 80% of the workstations were reused. We replaced desktops, desk screens, electrical components and cable management systems. This was quite a logistical challenge. For example, we dismantled desktops at the former office locations and transported the existing frames, which were still in good condition, to the new building. There, we fitted new desktops on site.’
Spaces for collaboration and focus
Gispen also took back a substantial amount of Ayvens’ existing furniture, which will be given a new lease of life through the Circular Hub. In addition, we supplied a range of new products, from boardroom tables to seating for the social spaces.
A particularly noteworthy feature is the bespoke locker units by Techo, equipped with a smart locking system. Employees can quickly and easily access their personal lockers using their keycards.
Marcel explains: ‘At the centre of each floor is an open staircase connecting the different levels. Around these staircases, each floor features a meet-up area designed to encourage interaction and collaboration. Surrounding these areas is a wide variety of workspaces. We want to support different ways of working, which is why we have introduced two-person and three-person workstations, as well as dedicated spaces for focused work and phone calls.’
How is the new workplace working out?
Marcel: ‘We’re delighted with the result. Several business entities, from Banking to Global, now work together under one roof at our central head office. Each department has its own designated zone, while all floors share a consistent look and feel. Our corporate colours, blue and turquoise, are naturally reflected throughout the interior. But most importantly, our employees now see much more of each other.’
Reflecting on the project, Sander adds: ‘The first deliveries took place under considerable time pressure. We really had to pull together and make a final push. That makes the successful outcome even more rewarding! Throughout the project, there was a real sense of working as one team. Everyone was determined to make it happen.’
