Netzkern

Creative to the core

netzkern’s new office proves that Internet agencies are not only at home in virtual spaces. The digital agency, which is one of Germany’s fastest-growing agencies and received the Wuppertal 2012 economic prize as “company of the year”, offers its employees an inspiring environment that strengthens team spirit. An extensive multitude of spaces are available for different work styles and tasks; the creative design input and furnishings came from Bene.

Once a furnace factory, the building was renovated from scratch and now meets the latest energy standards, with a heat pump and triple-glazed windows. Now the office building houses a factory loft with almost 700 square metres. From the outside it resembles a small castle, while inside there is a highly modern office. A living work environment for the web specialists at netzkern, which have already won the Technology Fast50 and Fast500 EMEA awards from the renowned consultancy firm Deloitte.

All on one level
It’s no coincidence that the new building for 50 employees is housed on a single floor. This is because netzkern places great value on a team atmosphere amongst its employees. They do not want competing lone wolves or strict hierarchies; they promote cooperation and communication. This is also clear from the numerous kinds of spaces that promote interaction and support togetherness. “We have found the perfect partner in Bene for translating our creative, demanding ideas into reality, as well as the ‘we concept’, which we find so important”, says Daniel Schulten, executive at netzkern.
Communication zones with upholstered furniture from the PARCS series by the London design duo PearsonLloyd are available as a lounge that exudes modern flair with Bene’s sofa classic, the Coffice, with its straight-line design and comfort.

The company culture is also tangible in the kitchen, which is internally referred to as the “marketplace”. A foosball table awaits the first matches of the day and ensures a breath of fresh air. Thanks to the positive business development at netzkern, additional floors will soon be added.

Invisible technology, visible creativity
The motto at netzkern – invisible technology, visible creativity – is reflected in the office design, for which Bene developed creative design solutions. An inspiring environment can make ideas bounce and supports the search for innovative solutions. Unconventionally designed areas for recreation and privacy convey playful cosiness. Transparent glass walls from the Bene partitioning systems ensure visual openness between the rooms and the hallway. They also convey a feeling of togetherness.

Choose the place you need
Work styles are diverse, and so are tasks and activities. In order to meet demands, netzkern hired the office experts at Bene to plan and design a diverse space with different zones. In addition to areas for informal communication and interaction, employees also have access to classic workstations that are defined by their high degree of functionality. Lateral storage elements, the opportunity to optimise use of Third Working Level, and the friendly overall design, all form the foundation for productive work.

If privacy is required for focused work, there are two Think Tanks that are available at all times. Of course they can also be used for small meetings. The conference room offers more space for larger meetings with up to ten people. Furnished with a Filo table and Filo chairs, it is readily available for constructive meetings in a pleasant atmosphere. The Filo furniture line from the renowned designer trio at EOOS represents urban design with elegance and lightness. Due to the intelligent integration of media technology means that cables and technical equipment do not distract at meetings; instead, they support a focus on what is essential.

Training sessions and external IT trainings take place in a seminar room that is easy to reconfigure. The twelve desks can be supplemented with caddies (mobile storage elements) for about twenty people. For events that only require seating, the room can accommodate up to 40 people. Located in the heart of the office and surrounded by Bene glass partitions, the seminar room also conveys openness to visitors and contributes to a lively office culture.

Future-proof design
Good design and high-quality functionality endure. Why should people leave the furniture they have behind when they move? This is why netzkern decided to integrate their proven Bene furniture into the new office concept. A “cult” office world has been created with the combination of additional work-stations, PARCS elements, glass partitions, and acoustic elements. It gets a reputation that you rarely hear in association with an office: cool.