Nestled in the natural landscape of the province of the Eastern Netherlands, will be the new logistics centre of Coulisse, the world’s leading manufacturer of blinds and advanced shading solutions for windows and doors. This project focuses on functionality, rationality and a concept of architecture strongly rooted in its location, originating from the client’s desire to create an efficient facility capable of responding to the needs of a fast-growing international distribution network, while guaranteeing the well-being and comfort of its staff.
This first design phase will be part of a development involving the creation of a veritable Campus with diversified services and facilities. The architecture was developed around the different uses that the buildings will have to accommodate, such as a traditional warehouse, a highly advanced automated warehouse and support offices. The aim is to reflect the client’s needs within spaces that were conceived and designed to be efficient and therefore capable of streamlining flows.
The exterior of the buildings will be architecturally clean and rational, and further exalted by the choice of materials. Revisiting the Dutch tradition of brickwork, with a view to drawing on the local heritage, the upper part of the façade of the building designed to house the traditional warehouse uses brick, arranged by alternating solids and voids to give the façade texture. In contrast, the lower building, used for offices, is clad with aluminium panelling to produce a dynamic impact created by the pattern of shadows.
The office building revolves around a series of patios that ensure an acoustically secure and comfortable environment, shed natural light into the spaces, essential in a working environment, and that connect the indoor space with the outdoor space, creating areas that encourage social interaction.
