Bazalt

Bazalt Groep, one of the largest educational expertise centres in the Netherlands, was seeking to retain the soothing ambiance of the dunes and seaside in their city office in Den Haag. Founded in 2013, but with origins dating back to 1945, the institution advocates for innovation, striving to draw out the optimal potential from children, youths, and educational professionals. As a company serving young individuals the design needed to reflect a calming and safe environment, setting the stage for modulyss' intervention.

Guiding this process was architect Petra Gielissen of Zeegroen, renowned for her unique approach towards office concepts, interior architecture, and building. Selecting modulyss' Heritage Collection for this project was no accident. As Petra states, "I often spot trends first at modulyss before other carpet companies." The Heritage Collection's capacity to subtly imbue the tranquility of the seaside and dunes into an urban setting solidified her choice. 

The Dune tiles encapsulate the shifting sands and grassy hills of the low countries’ coastline offering a muted palette and intricate textures that encourage the exploration of the surrounding environment's subtleties.

On the other hand, the Polder tiles reflect the resilience and growth of the land, their linear patterns drawing inspiration from the region's agricultural areas.

The quiet tones and fluid movement within the tiles, in combination with the calming effects of biophilic design, made the Dune and Polder tiles the ideal choice for an educational centre that aims to create a peaceful environment for the children it serves.

Partnering with Petra was Fritz of De Projectinrichter, the supplier of the floor finish and some of the furniture, with a keen eye for detail and a strong belief in the importance of supplier reliability. His experience with modulyss highlighted their swift problem resolution and flexibility, solidifying modulyss' reputation for long-term partnerships and consistent quality products.

The new space was thoughtfully divided, with different tiles indicating the functionality of each area, thus creating an intuitive navigation system within the office. Dune tiles, for instance, were used in focus areas to create a cocoon-like space, contrasting with the open office rooms. The result was a beautifully coordinated environment that seamlessly integrated the relocated furniture and the new biophilically designed office.

The stakeholders, pleasantly surprised by the overall effect of the carpet tiles, praised modulyss' contribution to the overall aesthetics. Petra's experience with modulyss was characterised by excellent communication and innovative collections, asserting that she would recommend modulyss to other architects and design professionals.

This project serves as a testimony to how modulyss' carpet tiles can effectively translate an organisation's ethos into a tangible, aesthetic design, contributing to a better workspace experience. The success story of Bazalt Groep could be the spark that inspires other institutions to adopt biophilic design, enhancing their spaces with the spirit of nature, improving well-being, and driving sustainable choices.