1
 
2
 
3
 
4
 
5
 
6

BarentsKrans Lawyers and Notaries

A successful collaboration between the renowned law and notary firm BarentsKrans, CBRE and HofmanDujardin has resulted in a remarkable building renovation in The Hague. Before BarentsKrans moved into their new location, near the Dutch Parliament building in the city center, they commissioned HofmanDujardin to revolutionize the building. The building was constructed in 1950 and commands floor space of 7000m². It was originally divided into a front building, with a majestic marble facade facing the main street, and building at the rear of the site, with two spacious atrium’s separating them. By the time the teams of partners, lawyers and other employees moved in to the headquarters, HofmanDujardin had breathed new life into the building and created a modern, sleek and sophisticated space.


Connecting atriums

The entire central open area sits on light-oak floors, which create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. These floors are repeated on the floating balconies above, each of which has an open meeting area, a coffee bar for informal meetings and lofty views down over the two atrium’s. Near the spiral staircase, elegant Vitra sofas make up the discreet client reception lounge. Also nearby are the ground-floor meeting rooms designed using light, natural tones and off-set by colorful conference chairs, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The offices for partners and employees are located in the front and the back buildings on all floors; they have large four-meter-long tables suitable for work and meetings. Finally, on the top floor is the firm’s restaurant with a free-flow buffet, simple wooden cafe-style tables, Eames chairs and a sunken seating area with padded banquettes where employees can take a break and gaze out over the rooftops of The Hague.

 
Connecting atria concept sketch
 
Connecting atria section

Connecting atria concept sketch

Connecting atria section

Iron spiral stairs

On the ground floor beneath the central block of balconies stand two eye-catching centerpieces: a beautifully calm elliptical reception desk made from light oak, and a dramatic black, cast-iron spiral staircase that snakes up all the way to the top floor. These design pieces are both practical and artistic; they immediately catch the eye and make a bold statement reflecting the professionalism of BarentsKrants, a leader in their field.

The elegant new spiral stairs connect all the informal meeting areas and become the DNA of BarentsKrans

Bo Winnubst | Principal architect

 
Spiral stairs
 
Spiral stairs
 
West atrium with platforms and spiral stairs

Spiral stairs

Spiral stairs

West atrium with platforms and spiral stairs

Workplace Design

Each floating balcony is equipped with an open meeting area, coffee bar, and lofty views over the two atriums. Near the spiral staircase, elegant Vitra sofas act as discreet client reception lounges. For a more vibrant atmosphere, the ground floor meeting rooms are designed using light, natural tones, finely balanced with colorful conference chairs.


Partner and employee offices are in the front and back of each of the building’s floors. Each office has a four-meter-long table for work and meetings. On the top floor of the building, the firm’s restaurant includes a free-flow buffet and simple wooden cafe-style tables. Eames chairs are installed in a sunken seating area complete with padded banquettes and windows. From here, employees can relax and admire the views over the rooftops of The Hague.

 
Open collaboration area
 
Informal meeting area
 
Open collaboration area
 
Boardroom

Open collaboration area

Informal meeting area

Open collaboration area

Boardroom

Colophon

Project

Barentskrans Lawyers and Notaries

Description

Renovation and interior design for high level law and notary firm

Client

BarentsKrans Lawyers and Notaries

Location

The Hague, Netherlands

Surface

7000m²

Date

2011-2013

Services

Renovation, Architecture Interventions, Interior Design, Restaurant Design and Workplace Design

Team

Michiel Hofman, Barbara Dujardin, Bo Winnubst, Pieter Mulder, Nicola Placella, Stan Flohr and Jeroen Semeijn

Project management

CBRE

Advisor construction

Arcadis

Advisor light

PD Lighting

Advisor acoustics

Peutz

Advisor fire safety

Peutz

Contractor

Du Prie Bouw en Ontwikkeling

Contractor millwork

Intos Interieurbouw

Contractor millwork oak walls

Schalkwijk Interieurbouw

Related projects