HANDMADE 

A Workspace for a Product Invention Lab  |  Amsterdam  |  the Netherlands

The company Handmade (a ‘Product Invention Lab’) wanted a new workspace that was more in line with its way of working than the canal house on the Singel in Amsterdam it was formerly located in. In Amsterdam’s Houthavens, a sizable, unobstructed floor space on the fifth floor with a fantastic view not only offered the company the opportunity to create specific spaces for various activities, but also an atmosphere and look that suited the business. Not an atmosphere of inventors constructing prototypes in the attic, but that of a large, open space where all of the workers, machines, test pieces and prototypes are visible, but without the noise and dust bothering the people who need to work in peace.

A substantial aluminium dividing wall separates consultation spaces from areas for working on large prototypes. The transverse walls are fitted with semi-transparent glass on which workers can sketch ideas and thoughts. The glass of the long aluminium wall that dissects the space ensures a view of the surroundings.

The middle zone features work islands with computer workstations and a large table. This usually quiet area allows employees to concentrate on their work. In the centre, near the kitchen, the whole team can meet for lunch, presentations or drinks.

Several spaces are created in the area around the entrance core using a wooden column-and-beam structure filled in with either glass or wood or left empty. This structure includes storage space, a kitchen unit and a large workspace.