Commonland Offices – Amsterdam
Commonland reflected their mission to transform landscapes into thriving ecosystems when designing their warm and natural new offices in Amsterdam.
D/DOCK were engaged by Commonland, a non-profit organization, to design their offices located in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Commonland is an initiator, catalyst and enabler of large scale and long term landscapes restoration projects, based on the 4 Returns model, each restored landscape delivers: inspiration, social, natural and financial returns. Founded by ecologist Willem Ferwerda and entrepreneur Wijnand Pon, Commonland has a mission to transform degraded landscapes into thriving ecosystems and communities for at least 20 years.They are involved in various projects all over the world.
The Commonland office is situated in the unique building ‘’t Kraanspoor’, by architect Trude Hooykaas, in Amsterdam Noord. Ideally located, the office floors have a beautiful panoramic view over the port. Our design team started working with Commonland to create a circular, warm, natural and eco friendly work environment for the Commonland crew. In respect to the architecture of the building, we made use of the special lines and highlighted the qualities, such as the alignment of the acoustic panels and light fixtures and the placement of the meeting rooms.
When entering the office, the lounge area immediately welcomes employees and guests. This is a space in which they can have a drink, meet at the high tables or sit back in the sofa. The office is balanced by two panoramic views through the glass facade on each side. To contrast with a busy, social area, the silent tunnel makes sure all noise is toned down when wandering into the workplaces and the meeting rooms.
Sustainability is an important part of the project, that we achieved by re-using existing furniture and sourcing specific materials and items. From the Planq barstools and tables made out of recycled army or denim clothes, to the recycled metal Tip Toe legs, to the recycled plastic lamps of Ecopixel, a special attention to eco friendly products has been put throughout the project. To give the employees a feeling of ownership, we organized and collaborated in an eco printing workshop. This resulted in beautiful unique cushions, bringing union between design and earth, which are the finishing touches of this design.
Design: D/DOCK
Photography: Keng Pereira
