Interior Office of the Royal Tichelaar
This transformation from a utilitarian industrial building to an attractive office environment required a change from hard to soft, functional and friendly. Or, a representative entourage that welcomes guests, providing at the same time safe and clean view of all heavy clay works in the factory. The phenomenon of the "Tent-room' as found in old country houses, was an important reference point for this transformation.
The Blue 'Tent Room’, designed by the German architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel in the Charlottenburg Castle in Potsdam (DE) was serving as our most iconic premise. The concept starts with the aim to create a light and haptic decor, a soft illusion which is concealing all utilitarian elements. The idea of a tent-room is expressed by a huge, airily textile ceiling. Although the office is subdivided into four large rooms of various sizes, this grand gesture binds them all together as being one huge space.
Divided into an elegant pyramids, the ceiling increases the expression of the height. The display of all required installations is covered, such as ventilation and lighting, while simultaneously the light is evenly being distributed over the workplaces. The spatial coherence of the office is supported by transparent and lightweight glass walls, allowing constant visual contact. The furniture is custom made and continues through all the rooms, along with the color palette.
The innovative ceiling is manufactured with standard ventilation cloth, normally used for ventilation ducts. This provides a smoother airflow directly through the fabric, without any vents. The acoustics of the office are being controlled by both the ceiling and cabinets, which are covered with felt. The height of the cabinets provides sufficient coverage for a private conversation in a seated position, while standing one is directly part of the great collective space.
