Head in the clouds, feet on the ground. Two IT companies who had a common need to attract new talent, joined forces to share a unique space. Vaimo set up their BeNeLux headquarters, while Easi housed their satellite office here. Two different company cultures under one roof requires the right balance between privacy and shared space. A good office can only work if the needs and wishes of its residents are taken into account. Through a few inspirational brainstorms and an extensive questionnaire, we collected all their wishes and needs in an efficient way. This way we got to know each other better, which resulted in a very pleasant journey from the first drawing to the completed project. Vaimo and Easi are both companies in the IT sector. On the work floor, they are mainly involved with data. A world that is abstract and intangible. That’s why we found it very important to make a connection with nature in their offices. Nature in the widest sense of the word; a good mix of warm colours and fabrics, textures and surprising materials. All this with respect for the character of the building. The entrance of the offices is not a classic entrance with a receptionist. It looks more like a hotel lobby or a bar. This multifunctional space focuses on the interaction between the two companies. We named it Basecamp. Basecamp has natural and earthy tones. The two brickwork walls add a surprising texture and a graphic rhythm to the space. The green bar with terrazzo worktop has purposely been highlighted to draw attention to the social side of this area. When the sun is out, ‘common sky’, the 150 sqm terrace, offers a beautiful outdoor extension for all employees. Innovation: The office was designed according to the agile principle. This principle focuses on individuals and interactions rather than processes and systems. Creativity: The entrance of the offices is not a classic entrance with a receptionist. It looks more like a hotel lobby or a bar. This multifunctional space focuses on the interaction between the two companies. The brickwork walls add a surprising texture and a graphic rhythm to the space. The green bar with terrazzo worktop has purposely been highlighted to draw attention to the social side of this area. When the sun is out, ‘common sky’, the 150 sqm terrace, offers a beautiful outdoor extension for all employees. All cupboards and cabinets are custom made. The surprising combination of MDF boards with oak edges add some subtle color and texture to the office. Functionality: The idea of a shared office requires a smart layout. Basecamp is therefore a multi-purpose space that serves as a reception area, lunch area, extension of the workstations and as a meeting place. By making this space multifunctional, we didn't need any extra surface to accommodate the above-mentioned functions. Interestingly, not only the workplaces are flexible, but the entire office is built in a way that allows for all offices to merge together if one day that is necessary. Sustainability: The integral project is offered fully furnished and equipped to its tenants. This means that if the tenants change, the furniture can remain. With this, we tried to respond to the growing throw-away society and stimulate the re-use of furniture. Speaking of re-use of furniture, we worked together with Workbrands to supply all office chairs and tables. Workbrands Is a company that refurbishes old big brand office furniture and gives them a second life. Since Belgium is a very small country and big cities (such as Ghent, Brussels, Antwerp) offer more and more work opportunities, traffic jams around these cities are getting worse year by year. With offices in Leuven, Ghent, Nivelles and Liège, EASI is aware of this growing problem and provides an answer with its new satellite office in Genk. EASI invests in Limburg’s local talent and offers its employees a ‘traffic-free’ workplace. Inclusivity: Not applicable to this project.