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Arcadis in the CubeHouse

In most cases, the starting point for new premises is predictable: a new building means new furniture. However, for Arcadis, the move to The CubeHouse involved more than furnishing a new head office: sustainability is a priority in everything this international consultancy does. Reducing its footprint supports Arcadis’ broader ambition to contribute to a more sustainable built environment. When organisations are willing to challenge existing assumptions and take a fresh look at what they already have, a circular workplace strategy can deliver a stylish interior alongside tangible sustainability gains. Reuse, refurbishment, Revived and new circular furniture enabled Arcadis to achieve a 44% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared with an entirely new furniture strategy.

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Arcadis about Ahrend

‘The new international head office looks fantastic, and the interior was designed entirely in-house. Our in-house architect used soft colours while also making some bold choices. The result is wonderful, thanks in part to Ahrend’s commitment and dedication.

Reuse, refurbishment, Revived and new circular furniture delivered a substantial reduction in CO₂ emissions. Evidence from the CO₂ Scenario Planner shows that this project generated 44% less carbon dioxide than an entirely new furniture strategy would have done. Naturally, refurbishing used furniture requires more work, but once we had made our choices, the process was completely hands-off for us! Together, we have achieved a great result.’

Nick Verleun, Workplace Contracts & Operation Manager at Arcadis

Relocation can support sustainability ambitions

Initially, new circular furniture seemed the most logical choice for furnishing Arcadis’ new head office. However, discussions with Ahrend led to a more fundamental approach and prompted a further question: which furniture could Arcadis reuse? Reuse and refurbishment therefore became the foundation of the workplace strategy. Ahrend translated the circular ambition into practical solutions aligned with the Arcadis brand, the interior design and the architectural concept of The CubeHouse, which has achieved BREEAM Excellent and WELL Gold certification.

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‘Evidence from the CO₂ Scenario Planner shows that this project generated 44% less carbon dioxide than an entirely new furniture strategy would have done.’

Nick Verleun Workplace Contracts & Operation Manager at Arcadis

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Measuring environmental benefits with the CO₂ scenario planner

To quantify the environmental benefits, Ahrend used CO₂ scenario planning. Various furniture strategies were compared, ranging from purchasing entirely new furniture to combinations of reused, refurbished, Revived and newly manufactured circular furniture. Each scenario was assessed in terms of environmental impact, design quality, comfort and functionality. CO₂ scenario planning gives clients a measurable basis for decision-making. Where new furniture was necessary, we selected it with circularity in mind. Loes Dehue, Circular Consultant at Ahrend, explains: ‘We advised on furniture designed for long-term reuse, including Cradle to Cradle Certified® products. We also helped Arcadis select responsible solutions from other suppliers. The circular approach proved effective: CO₂ emissions were 44% lower than with an entirely new furniture strategy, representing a saving of 16,277 kg of CO₂.’

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A detailed inventory of existing furniture reveals opportunities

The first step in developing the circular workplace strategy was to understand what Arcadis already had. Ahrend conducted a detailed inventory of the existing furniture, including products from both Ahrend and other suppliers, and identified which items could be reused immediately and which could be restored to as-new condition through refurbishment. The inventory revealed clear opportunities.
Loes: ‘With the right assessment and refurbishment, existing furniture can meet the same requirements as new furniture while significantly reducing environmental impact. Circular workplace design does not mean compromising on design, but it does require a different approach from the outset and close collaboration with the client and the architect or interior designer. During several sessions in our showroom, Arcadis’ in-house architect selected the colours, fabrics and materials. Our Circular Hub then applied these choices to Arcadis’ existing furniture.’

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Furniture is given a second life

The inventory showed that Ahrend Balance desks and sliding-door cabinets could be reused as they were. The Circular Hub also overhauled and cleaned more than 100 Ahrend 2020 office chairs, as well as chairs from other brands.
Ahrend S25 acoustic panels were given a second life. Loes: ‘We reupholstered the vertical desk screens with i-did, a recycled textile or wool material produced in the Netherlands by people who face barriers to employment. They look beautiful in the new head office, provide greater privacy in the workplace and improve acoustics.’

Reducing emissions without compromising on quality or identity

At The CubeHouse, Arcadis has created a head office that reflects its vision for a more sustainable built environment. By building on its existing furniture and carefully combining it with new circular solutions, Arcadis reduced CO₂ emissions without compromising on quality or identity. This project demonstrates that the circular furnishing of a new workplace or relocation does not begin with products, but with a willingness to challenge assumptions. When sustainability is the strategic starting point, measurable impact follows naturally.

Photography: Stijn Poelstra