Transformation of an ammunition workshop into a flexible workspace for experimentation, making, and exhibition.
On the Hembrugterrein near Amsterdam, a former ammunition production facility has been transformed into the studio of designer Joris Laarman. A place where design, research, and fabrication come together under one roof. Buro Loof reimagined this former industrial structure as a highly adaptable working environment that supports an ever-changing practice, ranging from delicate prototypes to large-scale installations.
The transformation builds upon the intrinsic qualities of the existing building. Originally designed with a distinctive curved roof to safely release pressure in case of explosions, the structure offers a generous, column-free interior. This robust and open volume forms the foundation for a new type of workspace—one that embraces both the industrial heritage of the site and the demands of contemporary design production.
At the core of the design lies flexibility. Laarman’s work requires a space that can continuously evolve accommodating different materials, scales, and modes of making. The building is therefore organized around a clear yet minimal structure: a division between ‘clean’ office spaces and ‘dirty’ workspaces for fabrication. This separation allows precision work and hands-on production to coexist seamlessly.
Crucially, this division and the floor levels form the only permanent elements within the interior. All other partitions are movable, enabling the studio to be reconfigured over time. In this way, the building acts as a spatial framework rather than a fixed layout, supporting both present and future use.
At the heart of the studio lies a generous open space. This central hall functions as the main workshop, where large objects can be developed, assembled, and tested. At the same time, it doubles as an exhibition space for visitors, reflecting the natural overlap between making and presenting within Laarman’s practice.
All the ‘clean’ office spaces are positioned along a continuous glass façade, offering expansive views of the surrounding greenery of the Hembrugterrein. Set within a landscape that feels almost forest-like, this edge creates a strong connection between interior and exterior. Daylight penetrates deep into the building, while the ever-changing natural surroundings provide a calm and inspiring backdrop for daily work.
Photography by Kasia Gatkowska.
Laarman Lab
Category
Office
Location
Zaandam
600 m2
Size
2023
Year
2015 Shortlist Gulden Feniks
Recognitions
