.Office - Rembrandtpark
At PLANQ, we're proud to have been a partner in the realisation of this
state-of-the-art office building with a view on Rembrandtpark, embodying our commitment to sustainability and innovative design.
Studio Anne Witten is the architect behind this project, where the main focus
of the client was sustainability. With that in mind, our furniture was a perfect match!
We had the pleasure of interviewing Anne about this project.
They share insights into the design process, the challenges of sustainable material sourcing, and how thoughtful choices in furniture and layout can make a lasting impact.
This interview offers a behind-the-scenes look at how sustainability and design can work hand-in-hand to create spaces that feel as good as they look!
FACTS & FIGURES
Location: Amsterdam
Architect: Studio Anne Witten +
Maaike Veenstra Interieurontwerp & Styling
Dealer: SKO
Photography: Ewoud Huibers
Interview Anne, Architect at Studio Anne Witten
What was the overall design concept or vision for this project? How did our furniture fit into that vision? “The building is BREEAM-certified, and sustainability is an important brand value for the client. Furniture from Planq, where innovation and sustainability go hand in hand, fits perfectly with this vision!”
When you first encountered our furniture, what aspects stood out to you, and how did they influence your design decisions? “The soft design language, the natural color palette with fresh accent colors, and the sustainable materials were appealing. They aligned completely with the design language and the story we had in mind, but they didn’t directly influence our design. There was a match between the concept/design and the furniture for this project.”
How did you balance functionality and aesthetics when selecting our furniture for this project? “By choosing natural tones such as jute coffee bags, leather, and fabrics in soft hues, Planq furniture fits seamlessly into the overall palette. Thanks to the seating comfort of the furniture, functionality and aesthetics are well balanced.”
Sustainability has become a key focus in modern design. How did sustainability shape your overall approach to this latest project, and what specific goals were you hoping to achieve?
”The goal was to find the most sustainable version of each material and furniture piece—within the set budget and the conceptual framework.”
In terms of material selection and building methods, what sustainable practices or innovations did you incorporate into the design? “The building was constructed following BREEAM certification, and we added many sustainable elements to it, including:
The wood we use is bamboo—a grass species that is fundamentally more sustainable than most types of wood, although bamboo has its drawbacks.
Design classics from Artifort were selected—chairs that can be reupholstered and retain their “visual value.”
Meeting tables are made from "textile waste" or sourced from DUM Office, which uses water-based lacquer on the beech tabletops.
And, of course, furniture from Planq!
The kitchen and pantry are entirely constructed from recycled yogurt container material, with recycled leather accents from Buxkin.”
Looking forward, how do you see sustainable design evolving, and what role do you think brands like Planq will play in shaping the future of architecture and interiors?
”As designers, we see it as our responsibility to recommend products and materials that contribute to a better world wherever possible. We also observe a growing demand for this in the business market. Furthermore, we see that our business clients find the stories behind the products important—how they came to be, their footprint, which materials were recycled, etc.
Brands like Planq are indispensable in this development. These are brands that continue to innovate, launch new models, and refresh color and material choices, making it an exciting and sustainable option for both architects and clients!”
