Hamacher Immobiliengruppe, Köln
The evolving constant: The art of inhabiting a new office space
Client: KPE Projektentwicklung GmbH & Co. KG Köln
Planing: smow Köln
Year: 2020
Areas furnished:: Reception with waiting area, workstations, conference room, kitchen with canteen area, executive offices
Brief
Moving into a new property is always something special: but becomes a special challenge when a company that not only deals with real estate but bequeaths them a new splendour, moves into and furnishes a new property of its own. On the one hand, a change of scenery always means a breath of fresh air, but on the other, one's own identity should remain recognizable despite new premises.
For the Hambacher real estate group, the primary focus of the relocation was to enlarge the office and thereby, and despite their close associations with their existing property and the traditional values of the company, which has been run by the family since 1901, the desire for a completely new furnishing solution.
To this end the requirement was for a modern and functional working environment that focuses on the well-being of the employees and that fits the company's corporate identity. In addition, a welcoming cafeteria area was to be a central componenet, as the new company headquarters is in an industrial area and there are not many options for a lunch break.
Project Managers
Anett Ahlefeld
Managing Director, smow Köln
Telephone: 0221 933 80 60
E-Mail: koeln@smow.de
Julia Ullmann
Interior Architect, smow Köln
Telephone: 0221 933 80 60
E-Mail: koeln@smow.de
Realisation
Based on the spatial realities of the new offices, the planning team from smow Cologne advised and supported the client in selecting flexible, and not permanently installed furniture, that was both functional and reflected the company's corporate identity: the aim of the Hamacher real estate group is to preserve the charm of the past while bringing it into the present, and to reflect the current age. This was exactly the requirement for the new office space; a space which represents the company in a reduced, high-quality style.
The project began with a thorough analysis of the requirements and wishes of the Hamacher real estate group. In close collaboration with the company, the team from smow Cologne developed a tailor-made concept for the office space. High-quality furniture and furnishings were selected that met both the functional needs and the aesthetic requirements of the company.
Furniture from manufacturers such as USM Haller, Vitra or Hay as well as lights from Foscarini bring a timeless, modern look to the office space and thereby emphasize the constant. The room acoustics were also optimized by smow Cologne, an intervention:which has a major influence on the feel-good character of the rooms.
The feel-good concept was also pursued in the office kitchen. Here you can cook to your heart's content and take a relaxing break. Furniture classics such as the Vitra DSR chairs and the round Saarinen dining table invite you to exchange ideas with the team and thereby develop not only a healthier diet but healthier work-life balance.
Project synopsis
For the Hamacher real estate group the constant is in continual evolution - after 20 years the group of companies said goodbye to its familiar and much loved home and moved into new premises. As part of this process the new company location received an update that is reflected in modern furniture without forfeiting either in terms of functionality or the company's corporate identity.
smow Cologne has created an office environment that meets the needs and values of the company. The Hamacher Real Estate Group team now has high-quality, functional work areas that contribute to productivity and well-being, while the aesthetic design and high-quality furnishings of the rooms underline the professional and sophisticated character of the company.
The new rooms have become the desired office spaces in which modernity, innovation and flexibility are firmly anchored in everyday working life. Transparent, glass-encased meeting rooms, representative and homely office rooms, an office kitchen that not only invites you to cook but also to have a cozy chat, create a comfortable working environment for the 25 head team with a focus on a positive work-life balance..
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Tailored project planning with smow
Together with you, we design spatial office solutions and planning approaches for your office. In cooperation with our architects and interior designers, we accompany your project from conception to implementation, so that you can continue to work productively and relaxed in the future. The smow project planning team can be reached Monday to Friday between 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on 031 981 40 67 or by email at project@smow.ch.