Architects: Maas Architecten
Area: 2,850 m²
Year: 2016
Photography: Hans Morren
Lead Architect: Erwin Schot
Interior: Studio Green + Shield
Landscape Architect: Ton Thus
Contractor: JVZ, Slingerland Construction
Client: Vreugdenhil Dairy Foods
Program / Use / Building Function: Offices
City: Nijkerk
Country: Netherlands
Vreugdenhil Headquarters, designed by Maas Architecten in Nijkerk, the Netherlands, stands out with its five-star BREEAM-NL outstanding new building design certification. Completed in 2016, the 2850 m² office features an intelligent climate control system, curved glass façade, 170 solar panels, and a thermal energy storage system. The design promotes sustainability and employee interaction, with open workspaces and an innovative grand staircase by EeStairs.
Dutch dairy products manufacturer Vreugdenhil has opened a highly energy-efficient 2850 m² head office in Nijkerk, Netherlands. Dutch practice Maas Architecten developed the building, which has received five-star BREEAM-NL outstanding building design certification for its architectural design.
The building includes an intelligent climate control system, partial structural glazing, and a curved glass façade. Integrated into the local landscape, it offers 180-degree views in many areas. The roof hosts 170 solar panels, rainwater is used for flushing toilets, and a thermal energy storage system heats and cools the building.
Maas Architecten’s brief emphasized creating an office that fosters employee interaction throughout its spaces. The property includes various open workspaces and facilities for flexible workers.
Vreugdenhil has a low absenteeism rate, with employees actively participating in sustainability initiatives like competitions, workshops, and presentations. The office supports the company’s goal to reduce its absenteeism rate to below 4% by 2020.
Erwin Schot of Maas Architecten expressed pride in the innovative and energy-efficient design, highlighting the office as an attractive workplace.
A standout feature is the grand staircase by EeStairs, featuring the EeSoffit finish, an alternative to stucco plasterwork on the underside of a staircase.
The lower stage of the staircase is accessible with alternate landings, and the inner string circles a decorative tree.
Schot noted the close collaboration with EeStairs to create a staircase that encourages employee interaction, citing positive experiences and EeStairs’ portfolio of ambitious projects.
During installation, the upper stages of the staircase were hoisted into the atrium and mounted due to their large size, with parts supplied and built over the building’s façade.
Harmen van de Weerd, EeStairs’ Head of Project Management and Engineering, noted the collaboration with Erwin Schot at Maas Architecten and Slingerland Bouw, highlighting the staircase’s design with intermediate landings every two steps.
One of the office’s standout features is the grand staircase created by EeStairs, showcasing their EeSoffit finish. This innovative finish is an attractive alternative to stucco plasterwork on the underside of staircases.
The EeSoffit finish, particularly the gloss option, provides a visually appealing and durable surface that resists scratches and is easy to apply without metal fixings.
The lower stage of the staircase is designed for accessibility, with alternate landings every two steps to promote employee interaction. The staircase’s inner string ascends from the lower stage, spiraling around a decorative tree at the center.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: 5 Arkerpoort Street, Nijkerk 3861 PS, Netherlands
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
