A sustainable new home
for new possibilities

Seeking to create a new, inspiring head office that would enable more sustainable operations, Teijin Aramid began redeveloping its old laboratory in Arnhem in July 2019. “We chose to keep the office in Arnhem to continue utilizing its proximity to our production sites, EMEA Sales office, Research and Innovation Center, and airport connections,” explains Jos Porskamp, relocation project leader. The laboratory’s demolition was carefully planned to minimize environmental impact: 95% waste was separated and the granulates produced were used to pave the office’s new car parks and access roads.  

Architecture and interior specialists APTO Architects helped implement wishes and needs for the new office. “Sustainability, flexibility, and space for meeting were the key objectives,” says Maarten Filius, Architect APTO. “For example, we developed the new façade using state-of-the-art techniques to achieve high insulation values. At the same time, we kept elements of the original laboratory visible, creating a tall, open space at the entrance from the unique 5-meter ceilings.” 

The resulting building has a 5,000m2 floor space – and, in keeping with Teijin Aramid’s values, is designed to minimize environmental impact. “The new building doesn’t just look sustainable – its A+ energy label confirms its efficiency,” adds Jos Porskamp, relocation project leader. “I’m proud of all the sustainable design elements we’ve incorporated – choosing materials like bamboo, investing in heat pumps and solar panels for the roof, and adding a huge wall at the entrance  of around 1,500 plants to produce oxygen.” 

As well as these, additional features such as water-saving taps, external sun blinds, and heat recovery all contribute to the building’s low energy footprint. Other elements of the head office will facilitate sustainable lifestyles. For example, its restaurant will serve fresh, organic food, using locally sourced ingredients where possible and minimal packaging. Next to that, employees will be encouraged to travel to and from work using environmentally friendly methods by installing charging points for electric cars and bicycles. 

As well as enabling sustainable operations, the new office also provides an engaging workspace for employees. Its layout is designed to facilitate both collaborative and independent work. On every floor, meeting rooms and kitchenettes are clustered around the elevator at the center of the building. This high-traffic area is separated with cabinets and bamboo slats to reduce noise pollution. By contrast, spaces for focused, independent work are located close to the façade, allowing for quiet and daylight. “This separation between dynamic and quiet areas acts as a membrane that filters noise when necessary,” says Maarten. 

As well as providing a collaborative workspace for the colleagues who work there, the office will also foster external collaboration. In particular, its entrance area – including an ‘Experience Lounge’ that showcases examples of Teijin Aramid’s materials in action – will be an inspiring hub for external visitors. “With the unique Experience Lounge, restaurant, and meeting center located here, the entrance area forms the building’s ‘beating heart’,” adds Maarten. What’s more, the office’s location directly next to Teijin Aramid’s Research and Innovation Center (RIC)  which will foster collaboration within our business operations. 

With all these inspiring features, it’s no surprise that Teijin Aramid is looking forward to moving into this new space in September. “I’m very proud of the great location, beautiful design, and sustainable construction of our new head office,” says Peter ter Horst, CEO Teijin Aramid. “It’s going to be one of the greenest buildings in Arnhem, aligning with our sustainable values and helping us to live by them. What’s more, the open setup will enable us to build on our strong platform of developing innovative materials science solutions. With a space like this, we’re ready to take a bold step into the future!”

Our supplier entrance stays at the Vosdijk 5. Our PO Box (5153) and telephone numbers (+31 88 268 88 88) remain unchanged.