The office of tomorrow

In a historic post office, Buero Bechtloff and PropTech company EVERNEST are fusing the spirit of the times with tradition in an architectural reinterpretation of the open-plan office.

Not far from Hamburg's vibrant city centre, property start-up Evernest will be based in the former Post Office 11 from 2021. A building with history meets a modern, future-oriented company - the special attraction was to optimally combine these two poles," says Bastian Bechtloff. Thanks to Buero Bechtloff's design, an attractive office duo for 80 employees has been created on 500 square metres at Mönkedamm 9. Not only does it perfectly represent the brand's CI, but its homely elements also encourage communication.

Not the classic office atmosphere

Two separate open-plan areas, connected by a corridor, provide space for a team of independent brokers on the one hand, and the back office and technology department of PropTech company Evernest, which was founded in November 2019, on the other. Even without a traditional reception desk, visitors automatically feel welcome in the first office area. Why is that? The classic layout, with a central corridor and shared desk work areas on either side, is repeatedly and skilfully broken up - be it by seating areas or by telephone booths that blend in naturally. A feeling of homeliness clearly dominates over the classic office atmosphere," says Bastian Bechtloff, who has been working as a freelance architect in Hamburg since 2011. This is mainly due to structural elements such as the characteristic columns: the old cast-iron ceiling supports, covered with plasterboard for fire protection reasons, are discreetly highlighted by a warm halo of light. The different zones are separated, yet permeable.

During the planning stage, the... -was particularly keen to preserve the original structure of the slightly curved space. White ceiling panels of varying heights contrast with sound-absorbing black felt panels to zone the space. A narrow corridor leads to the second office area. The ceiling, which rises towards the light, automatically draws the eye to the historic arched windows divided by mullions, which are an important part of the welcoming ambience.

Focus on communication

Meeting zones are part of Evernest's corporate culture and run like a red thread through the entire design," says Bastian Bechtloff, referring to the stylishly designed seating areas and integrated sofas with extra-high, shielding backrests. Conference rooms with glass office partitions and dark blinds on the inside also provide sufficient privacy in this part of the building. Team spirit is key in this expanding business, so the open-plan kitchen, with a generous breakfast bar, a variety of high tables and a games console, is also very important. Industrial oak parquet has been used throughout the kitchen area. Furniture and accessories throughout the area are from renowned manufacturers such as Vitra and USM. The effectively integrated ceiling spots and industrial-style pendant lights are by Delta Light, a Belgian company known worldwide for its innovative and subtle lighting concepts. Black and white are the dominant colours - a clear reference to the pure, clean Evernest logo. Every little detail blends effortlessly into the overall picture. With one exception,' says Bastian Bechtloff, pointing to the only 'exotic' element: a cast-iron bell that rings when a deal is successfully concluded.

A model for new projects

The design of the Hamburg office has already served as a model for Evernest's branches in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt and Cologne. The first international store was opened in Madrid in September. In Cologne, too, several showrooms will soon be created, also in collaboration with Buero Bechtloff, which, thanks to innovative technology, will revolutionise the classic image of a real estate agency. According to Bastian Bechtloff, the aim is to remain flexible in the design, as befits the young Evernest brand. The energy that drives the entire team on its journey is already impressively demonstrated by the Hamburg office.