Case study: PowerPlant for KPN

KPN

Workplaces and offices are changing. After COVID-19, they now compete with home environments, cafes, and small co-working spaces that offer a more intimate and personal setting. Clients consciously choose the context in which they work-similar to how we select hospitality venues. That's why the office must be attractive, outperform the home environment, and offer more and sharper functionalities to support an autonomous working style. In short, the office must be a place of energy-a destination for presenting, collaborating, and truly showing up.

Powerplant is collaborating with KPN on a larger workplace project. We began with the transformation of the company restaurant in Amsterdam into a multifunctional co-working space that feels both homely and energetic, closely aligned with KPN's culture. The result is an oasis of energy within a corporate environment. By designing all aspects of the concept in an integrated way, we created a space that serves as the green, beating heart of the building throughout the day.

The concept divides the space into two main areas: the dining room and the living room. By defining these zones in a domestic way, we reduce the scale and make the space more accessible for users. These areas feature iconic green elements that provide essential functions, character, and atmosphere. Each green icon serves a hospitality function, includes an art wall, and features a screen for programming.

Sustainable choices, healthy food, programmed activities, and abundant greenery create a logical and cohesive whole. The kitchen promotes healthy options, and we make water both accessible and enjoyable through our water bar. The interior features circular, high-quality furniture and upholstery. It was important to us to use authentic materials that users can relate to, such as the variety of wood found throughout the space.

The co-working space is designed to support a wide variety of functions, encouraging interaction and collaboration. The living room, for example, is specifically conceived to act like a real living room-a chameleon in functionality-where you can work, host events, relax, or enjoy your lunch. To support these uses, almost everything is on wheels. The large green icon in the space feels like a fireplace, but in reality, it serves as a presentation stage.

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The homely character is further enhanced by the presence of KPN's diverse art collection. Powerplant carefully integrated artworks from their own collection into the design of the space. For example, paintings and artworks with food as a central theme are placed near the kitchen, while iconic portraits are positioned around the fireplace. Details like art and smart signage make the space welcoming and inclusive-a place you genuinely want to share with your colleagues every day.