For the new headquarters of Mercedes-Benz Netherlands, we created a state-of-the-art workplace in a building that had been vacant since its completion almost 20 years earlier. In doing so, we embraced the MeWE office concept of Mercedes-Benz, which puts people first. MeWe stands for the combination between 'me', a fixed workplace for staff in an open office space, and 'we-places' for working together. Together with OPL Architects, we came up with a circular, sustainable and intelligent design. The result is a vibrant and inspiring place to work, where the well-being of employees is of paramount importance. This project shows how innovation and collaboration enable us to revitalise workspaces.
Mercedes-Benz Netherlands approached us to transform a building that had been vacant for years into a fantastic workplace. It had to be a 'great place to work', with the look and class you would expect from the brand.
Together with Mercedes-Benz, we took up the challenge. They really wanted to implement their new MeWE office concept. This vision is consistent with the focus we have at Delta on Human Centred Design. In conjunction with OPL Architects, we applied our people-oriented, circular design approach to create a sleek, sustainable, future-proof and intelligent home for the iconic brand.
The glass façade spanning the full height connects the two core workspaces. Inside, a wide, open staircase leads to the building's prestigious reception area. Behind it, light falls into the glass atrium, drawing visitors into the space. As such, the atrium acts as a town square and is the beating heart of the building. People sit here, meet up, talk and take a break. In one corner, the video wall and wide wooden staircase form a small amphitheatre. The eight green living walls that run the length of the building cover an area of more than 180 m² and act as the building's lungs.
The indoor gardens create a very pleasant atmosphere. In consultation with the architects, a vegetation plan was designed to match the interior design. Greenery in an office environment provides a healthy indoor environment for employees and visitors and reduces ambient noise. Plants have a positive effect on people, which is reflected in lower absenteeism and happier employees. That is why, as a property developer, job satisfaction is very important to us
The roof is green and designed to regulate heat. This also contributes to a more comfortable indoor climate. The roof also allows for the delayed drainage of rainwater, an important feature in the fight against flooding in urbanised areas. The atrium's glass roof is made up of photovoltaic cells, whereby sunlight is converted into energy. The roof is a significant source of added value to the building.
The Cradle-to-Cradle (C2C) philosophy served as the guiding principle for the sustainable transformation, whereby virtually no waste was produced and which made maximum use of renewable energy and materials.
The workspace has an open and airy feel. Originally, this building was a traditional, dark building. So our first step was to remove a piece of the roof and the floors below it, leaving a huge opening in the middle of the building's floors .
Now, soft, filtered light pours into the offices through glass panels via the atrium. Full-length outer windows create a sense of the outside flowing through to the inside, as light filters all the way through. The staff have told us that this is how they are in touch with the weather and the environment - they feel the light and openness, it helps them to breathe.
"Coert, it was a great pleasure working with you and your team on this project. The result is amazing and fulfills our vision of a 'fantastic workplace.'"
Thomas Götz
Head of Corporate Real Estate EMEA Daimler AG
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tons of CO₂ saved by renovation instead of demolition
Mercedes-Benz Nederland makes use of the following materials and features that are instrumental to our Next Generation Logistics concept:
People-oriented:
non-toxic materials, biophilic, natural ventilation, air quality and climate control, designed for productivity and well-being, communal green outdoor space, linked to public transport and services.
Circular design:
C2C-optimised renovation, green roof, solar panels and carbon capture, grey water recycling.
Intelligent technology:
fully electric with 400 EV charging stations using innovative load sharing systems, light sensors and interactive dimming, temperature control.
"This project has taught us that by think in inventive ways and working with the right partners, we can adapt C2C solutions to almost any environment, even older, traditional work buildings. The drastic renovation of this building was well worth it - we did it because we know that people always respond well to lots of daylight, greenery, soft sounds and clean air."
Coert Zachariasse
CEO Delta Development
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Client
Mercedes-Benz Netherlands
Location
Nieuwegein, Netherlands
Surface area
14,417 m² BVO, delivered and in use
Architects
OPL Architects
Development partners
VolkerWessels Logistics Development
© Delta Development