Cornelis Vrolijk.
From ship to shelf.
Cornelis Vrolijk (fishing) and Cornelis Vrolijk Seafood (fish processing/production) together form one of the strongest chains in the Dutch fishing industry. Cornelis Vrolijk, which has been based in IJmuiden for decades, specialises in the catching and farming, processing and trading of fish, fish products and prawns, and brings in-depth knowledge of processing and the retail market.
A combination that covers the entire seafood supply chain: from the sea to the supermarket shelf.
Client
Cornelis Vrolijk
Category
office & experience
Scale
1000 m2
Location
IJmuiden, NL
Assignment
Create a working environment with a professional kitchen for Cornelis Vrolijk that showcases both sides of the business: its roots as a fishing family from IJmuiden and the commercial strength of a retail-oriented fish processing and production operation.
Result
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A major redevelopment of the existing building, with a glass extension adding a third storey.
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Newly fitted-out staff canteen, workspaces and meeting rooms
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A professional kitchen suitable for a variety of purposes
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An experience space where the story of Cornelis Vrolijk is told
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Supermarket shelving that highlights the link to the retail sector
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As an engineering partner, Ce. provided the architectural services
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Project management throughout the entire process
Ce. had previously been commissioned to design the Cornelis Vrolijk head office a short distance further along the quay: a light, spacious working environment with the canteen as its social hub, visual connections between spaces and subtle references to marine life and shipping. Now it was the turn (incorporating ‘the lessons learnt’) of the Cornelis Vrolijk Seafood workspace at Makreelkade 5 in IJmuiden
An extension with character
The existing building has undergone a major redevelopment. A glass extension adds a third to the building’s volume and brings daylight and a sense of space to the top floor. Inside, the staff canteen, workspaces and meeting rooms have been refurbished, complemented by a professional kitchen suitable for a variety of purposes. Materials such as ceramic tiles, dark wood and steel reflect the company’s industrial roots and form a cohesive palette throughout the building, from the entrance hall to the workspaces.
The real highlight is the ‘experience’ space, where the story of Cornelis Vrolijk is told. With supermarket shelving that highlights the link to the retail sector, the connection from ship to shelf can be literally experienced here, whilst the interior features numerous references to the production process.
Identity as a compass
The design brief called for an environment that reflects the company’s two strong pillars: the roots of an IJmuiden fishing family (in 1880, Frank Vrolijk laid the foundations for the family business, and the fifth generation is now at the helm) combined with the commercial strength of a retail-oriented fish processing and production operation.
Building on the brand identity of Cornelis Vrolijk, a workplace has been created that exudes character, brings staff together and shows visitors where this company comes from and where it is heading.
Architectural services
For this project, Ce. also acted as an engineering partner, responsible for the architectural services. This involved the design and engineering of the fixed furniture, as well as the design and engineering of the finishing works and interior. In addition, Ce. produced all the necessary drawings, right through to completion, and managed the project throughout the entire process.
Team
Visit this place?
Why visit? Because this workplace exudes character, brings staff together and shows visitors where it all began, whilst also offering a glimpse into the future. Give Wouter a call or send him an email if you’d like to find out more! wouter@c-e.design
