OFFICE HORVAT DELFT

For a leading research company specialising in civil engineering, we transformed their office on the top floor of one of Delft’s most significant eighteenth-century buildings. The space boasts characteristic wooden beam ceilings, a feature that immediately conveys its rich history. Our goal was to create a workplace that balanced the company’s fresh, forward-looking energy with the timeless elegance of its historic surroundings.

The existing layout presented two key challenges: the main office areas received very little natural light, while the boardroom, positioned near large windows, was flooded with daylight. We approached each space with a tailored design strategy. In the work areas, we introduced a light and airy atmosphere using bright, contemporary furniture, pale finishes, and strategic lighting to counteract the lack of sunlight. The result is an inviting and energising environment for daily work.

In contrast, the well-lit boardroom was given a deeper, more luxurious palette. Rich colours and tactile materials such as dark-stained wood and textured fabrics bring a sense of gravitas and focus to the space — perfect for important meetings and presentations.

To unify the different areas, we incorporated carefully selected mid-century furniture in the communal zones. These pieces, with their timeless forms and warm materials, link the modern and the historic, echoing the company’s innovative yet grounded ethos. The design not only improves functionality and comfort but also celebrates the unique architectural heritage of the building, allowing old and new to coexist in seamless harmony.