Platform on architecture, interior design and landscape architecture
The Salacia Solutions team has recently begun working toward a sustainable future in the iconic Holbeinhuis on Coolsingel in Rotterdam. Within the extensively renovated building, Ideal Projects designed a striking interior that combines functionality with an open work culture and a focus on sustainability. The design takes seawater and rising sea levels as its starting point. Complementing a striking mural and circular pantry, the Net Effect flooring collection by Interface—made from recycled fishing nets—plays a key role in this design.
Salacia Solutions develops specialized software that provides companies with insights into their non-financial information. The company focuses on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) information, believing that managing these aspects leads to more future-proof business operations. “Due to our company’s rapid growth, we started looking for our own space, which we eventually found in the Holbeinhuis,” says Lenny van Klink, co-founder of Salacia Solutions. “A beautiful, light-filled building in an iconic location across from City Hall, which, thanks to Ideal Projects, has become an extension of our services.”
“We want to help companies become more future-proof and environmentally conscious,” Van Klink emphasizes. “That’s why sustainability was a key principle in our request for proposals. The design makes use of recycled materials as much as possible. In addition, existing interior elements were reused wherever possible.” A significant challenge for Monica Straathof, interior designer and co-owner at Ideal Projects. Especially in combination with the varied programming. “During a workshop, we identified what employees need and what they require to do their jobs effectively,” she explains. “This led to a concept featuring open and closed workspaces, hybrid meeting rooms, collaboration spaces, and focus areas, arranged in a logical progression from bustling to quiet.”
Employees and visitors entering the building are greeted by a striking mural of Salacia: the goddess of the sea, wife of Neptune, and protector of all marine life. A task that is becoming increasingly challenging due to global warming and rising sea levels, according to Straathof. “A connection we’ve translated into a design concept. Research shows that—if we do nothing—sea levels will rise between 30 and 150 centimeters in the coming years. A fact that is reflected in a wave-like pattern in the meeting rooms and pantry of circular architect Bruno Vermeersch. Additionally, a 30-centimeter paneling has been painted around the columns. Furthermore, a nice link can be made to the pattern and story of the Net Effect carpet tiles, with which Interface pioneered as early as 2013, just as Salacia Solutions is doing now.”
Net Effect carpet tiles are produced through the Net-Works project, which provides small fishing communities in the Philippines with additional income by collecting discarded fishing nets. In doing so, Interface not only provides an additional source of livelihood but also helps protect the rare double coral reef off the coast of the Philippines. “A story that resonates deeply not only with Salacia Solutions but also with me personally.”
The Net Effect carpet tiles were installed in all work areas, says Straathof. “By using carpet tiles from stock, new production wasn’t necessary. We chose blue and sand-colored tiles in a wave pattern, which creates the effect of the sea and the beach.” A rubber floor from nora® by Interface in the work café completes the sustainability story.
