.avif)
100% circular & zero waste
The task
BeFrank, an innovative online pension provider and part of NN Group, strives for a sustainable work environment that matches their mission to minimize the carbon footprint. For their office in the Toorop building in Amsterdam, the assignment was to create a 100% circular and zero-waste work environment, designed according to the WELL standard. This meant reusing existing materials, creative solutions for waste reduction and integrating healthy and productivity-enhancing elements.
“From circular thinking to circular doing”
About this project
ZENBER Architects has designed a fully circular work environment for BeFrank, where sustainability, innovation and well-being are key. By harvesting and reusing existing materials, supplemented with circular innovations, a future-proof workplace has been created that perfectly matches BeFrank's energetic and modern look.
Smart and flexible layout: ParkFrank and ClubFrank
The work environment is divided into two zones: ParkFrank and ClubFrank.
Frank Park is a quiet work zone with various workplaces, such as open desks, concentration rooms and collaborative workplaces. Plants play a central role here and improves air quality, acoustics and work experience. Call and video rooms have been placed along the core, so that hybrid working is optimally supported.
Club Frank is a dynamic zone focused on encounters and cooperation. This is where the pantry, lounges, landing areas and meeting rooms are located. An eye catcher in this zone is the halfpipe stand, made of leftover material, which is used for weekly team meetings, presentations and brainstorming sessions.
Sustainable choices and circularity
The design team considered the building to be a source of raw materials. By harvesting and revitalizing existing materials, a large part of the original interior has been preserved. New materials were selected on the basis of circularity, with attention to reuse and recyclability.
Carpet tiles: Existing carpet tiles have been reused and supplemented with leftovers, cut into geometric patterns that match the BeFrank corporate identity.
Ceiling openings: Plates were removed for more height and filled in with hanging gardens, recycled curtains and acoustic elements from old projects.
Pantries: Existing kitchen cabinets are equipped with worktops made of 100% circular materials.
Furniture: Desks have been reused and adapted into sit/stand variants. Chairs and benches have been reupholstered with sustainable materials such as wool, hemp fibers and PET felt.
Eyecatchers: Curtains made from old cloth bags, beer keg hanging fixtures and seat cushions from returned jeans contribute to a unique and circular look.
“Inspiring collaboration and sparring in an energetic halfpipe stand”
Highlights
Park Frank
Peaceful work area with plants and various types of workplace, ideal for concentrated and hybrid working.
Club Frank
Dynamic meeting area with lounges, meeting rooms and a grandstand halfpipe for team activities.
100% circular design
Recycled carpet tiles, revitalized furniture and creative solutions such as drape bag curtains and beer keg lamps.
WELL standard
Focus on health and wellbeing with biophilia, ergonomics and acoustic improvements.
Creative and sustainable innovations
Residual materials and circular principles are integrated into every aspect of the design.
Credits
100% circular & zero waste
The task
BeFrank, an innovative online pension provider and part of NN Group, strives for a sustainable work environment that matches their mission to minimize the carbon footprint. For their office in the Toorop building in Amsterdam, the assignment was to create a 100% circular and zero-waste work environment, designed according to the WELL standard. This meant reusing existing materials, creative solutions for waste reduction and integrating healthy and productivity-enhancing elements.
About this projct
ZENBER Architects has designed a fully circular work environment for BeFrank, where sustainability, innovation and well-being are key. By harvesting and reusing existing materials, supplemented with circular innovations, a future-proof workplace has been created that perfectly matches BeFrank's energetic and modern look.
Smart and flexible layout: ParkFrank and ClubFrank
The work environment is divided into two zones: ParkFrank and ClubFrank.
Frank Park is a quiet work zone with various workplaces, such as open desks, concentration rooms and collaborative workplaces. Plants play a central role here and improves air quality, acoustics and work experience. Call and video rooms have been placed along the core, so that hybrid working is optimally supported.
Club Frank is a dynamic zone focused on encounters and cooperation. This is where the pantry, lounges, landing areas and meeting rooms are located. An eye catcher in this zone is the halfpipe stand, made of leftover material, which is used for weekly team meetings, presentations and brainstorming sessions.
Sustainable choices and circularity
The design team considered the building to be a source of raw materials. By harvesting and revitalizing existing materials, a large part of the original interior has been preserved. New materials were selected on the basis of circularity, with attention to reuse and recyclability.
Carpet tiles: Existing carpet tiles have been reused and supplemented with leftovers, cut into geometric patterns that match the BeFrank corporate identity.
Ceiling openings: Plates were removed for more height and filled in with hanging gardens, recycled curtains and acoustic elements from old projects.
Pantries: Existing kitchen cabinets are equipped with worktops made of 100% circular materials.
Furniture: Desks have been reused and adapted into sit/stand variants. Chairs and benches have been reupholstered with sustainable materials such as wool, hemp fibers and PET felt.
Eyecatchers: Curtains made from old cloth bags, beer keg hanging fixtures and seat cushions from returned jeans contribute to a unique and circular look.
“From circular thinking to circular doing”
Health and wellbeing according to WELL standard
The design focuses on employee well-being by means of:
Biophilia: Green elements such as hanging gardens and plants strengthen the connection with nature.
Acoustics: Excellent sound absorption with recycled fabrics and sustainable wall panels.
Ergonomics: Workplaces are flexible and promote a healthy working attitude.
A sense of community: Open and inviting spaces encourage collaboration and connection.
“Inspiring collaboration and sparring in an energetic halfpipe stand”
Highlights
Park Frank
Peaceful work area with plants and various types of workplace, ideal for concentrated and hybrid working.
Club Frank
Dynamic meeting area with lounges, meeting rooms and a grandstand halfpipe for team activities.
100% circular design
Recycled carpet tiles, revitalized furniture and creative solutions such as drape bag curtains and beer keg lamps.
WELL standard
Focus on health and wellbeing with biophilia, ergonomics and acoustic improvements.
Creative and sustainable innovations
Residual materials and circular principles are integrated into every aspect of the design.
Credits