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True sustainability: A decade of innovation at Forvis Mazars Breda

Updated: Dec 11, 2024

Project: Forvis Mazars Accountants & AdvisorsLocation: Druivenstraat 1, Breda

 

Ten years ago, the outdated office building on the Druivenstraat in Breda was completely renovated. M+R interior architecture transformed the building into a contemporary office in 2013 by making major adjustments to the exterior facade, interior, and installations. Now, a decade later, we have been asked again to upgrade the interior, this time inspired by the new corporate identity of Forvis Mazars after the merger with Forvis.




A Sustainable Reinterpretation

The original design from 2013 proved to be sustainable and flexible. The work concept has been functioning satisfactorily for years, and the structure offered space to accommodate the growth of the organization. In the recent upgrading, we made subtle but effective adjustments:

  • Colour scheme: Accent colours in custom furniture changed to blue, in accordance with the new corporate identity.

  • Greenery: Extra plants added for a more pleasant indoor climate.

  • Floor covering: Old coverings permanently removed and replaced with a new palette of beige, brown, and blue tones.

With minimal resources, the office looks like new again and is ready for the next ten years. This is an example of real sustainability: respecting what is there and only making smart adjustments.

exterior office building Forvis Mazars Breda | facade design M+R 2013 | new corporate identity 2024
exterior officebuilding Forvis Mazars Breda | facade design M+R 2013 | new corporate identity 2024

Focused enhancements to key areas

The entrance and the eat-work café have been thoroughly renovated:

  • An additional meeting room and a renovated reception desk have been added.

  • The café has been expanded with more seating and plants.

new entrance Forvis Mazars Breda with meeting room and reception area
new entrance Forvis Mazars Breda with meeting room + welcoming seating aere
eat-work café seen from adjacent meeting room
eat-workcafé view from the meeting room
high seating dining-working café + meeting room in the background
high seating eat- workcafé next to the meetingroom
eat-work café with various seating areas; greenery, lighting and photo wall of the market in Breda
eat- workcafé with a differsation of seating elements, plants and image of the market in in Breda

2013: From outdated to energy-efficient

The original transformation in 2013 brought the building from the 1980s to a modern standard:

  1. structural improvements: Increased facade insulation, HR++ glazing installed, and radiators replaced by sleek inner facades with thermal shell.

  2. installation technology: Energy-efficient lighting, induction units and new air handling units installed.

  3. energy performance: The energy label went from F to A, without compromising on comfort or appearance.

 

Innovative work concepts

We designed a workplace concept that supports activity-related work:

  • 0ffice floors: quiet workplaces, lounge areas, and open team spaces.

  • meeting areas: An open plaza, eat-work café and a multifunctional meeting centre in the basement.

By closely involving employees in the process, a flexible working environment was created that promotes innovation and collaboration.

conference center in basement with college facilities and brainstorming areas
meeting facilities in the basement with presentation room
conference center basement with reception area, pantry and view of the lecture room
meetingplace in basement with meeting rooms and presentation room

Efficient coordination

M+R served as both architect and project manager, collaborating with partners such as Huisman & Van Muijen (installations). Through efficient teamwork and meticulous planning, the renovation was carried out while the office remained operational, resulting in significant cost savings and minimal disruption.

 

A model of sustainability

This project showcases how outdated buildings can be revitalized sustainably. By leveraging existing structures and incorporating forward-thinking design, we delivered innovative solutions that contribute to a better and more sustainable work environment.

upgrading hybrid working environment with concentration and team workplaces, new floor coverings and plants
upgrading hybrid work environment with new carpetting, differnt kind of worksations en plants
upgrading hybrid working environment while retaining the existing pantry, new floor finish
upgrading interior with new carpetting and the existing pantry
upgrading existing meeting place with new furnishings + addition of plants
upgrading meeting unit with new upholstery + planters

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