Office & experience Cornelis Vrolijk's Seafood

From ship to shelf, from catch to story

Cornelis Vrolijk (fishing) and Cornelis Vrolijk Seafood (fish processing/production) together form one of the strongest supply chains in the Dutch fishing industry. Cornelis Vrolijk, which has been based in IJmuiden for decades, specialises in the catch and farming, processing and trade of fish, fish products and prawns, and brings in-depth knowledge of processing and the retail market. A combination that spans the entire seafood supply chain: from the sea to the supermarket shelf.

Ce. had previously been commissioned to design Cornelis Vrolijk’s 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 (drawing on ‘the lessons learnt’) of the Cornelis Vrolijk Seafood workspace at Makreelkade 5 in IJmuiden

An extension with character

The existing building has been comprehensively redeveloped. A glazed rooftop extension adds a third to the building's volume, bringing daylight and a sense of space to the upper level. Inside, the company canteen, workplaces and meeting rooms have been newly fitted out, complemented by a professional kitchen that serves multiple 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 area, where the story of Cornelis Vrolijk is told. With supermarket shelves that highlight the link to the retail sector, the journey from ship to shelf can literally be 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: its roots as a fishing family from IJmuiden (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.

Drawing on Cornelis Vrolijk’s brand identity, a workplace has been created that exudes character, connects staff and shows visitors where this company comes from and where it is heading.

Identity as compass

The design brief called for more than a refurbishment. It called for an environment that reflects the merger of two strong companies: the roots of an IJmuiden fishing family, combined with the commercial strength of a retail-oriented partner. Working from Cornelis Vrolijk's brand identity, a workplace has been created that radiates character, connects employees, and shows visitors where this company comes from and where it is headed.

Fotography Ce.@Wouter Hoevers