Smurfit Kappa, market leader in cardboard packaging solutions, relocated its European headquarters to The base, a multi-tenant building at Schiphol Airport. A Global Experience Center is a place for innovation and creativity as well as an inspiring environment to collaborate with clients. A series of offices and meeting spaces are integrated in the design, some especially for travelling employees. The first phase was completed in 2015, another floor with a transparent work environment was added in 2016.
Client Smurfit Kappa
Location Schiphol
Square 3.000
Timeline January 2014 - March 2016

Curved glass walls structure the space, elegantly merging product display area’s with a laboratory, a retail space and workstations for employees. Shaped like stacked boxes, eye-catching walls line the space around the organically shaped coffee bar and the reception area. These spaces come to life when projections of Smurfit Kappa are active.

The product display area is characterized by modular podiums, which can be configured to form a hexagon, resembling an opened cardboard box. They can also be playfully arranged and allow packaging and innovations to become a true centre piece in the free flowing open space. Throughout the design special attention for light- and projection concepts result in different atmospheres, completely in tune with the demands for the experience.

The exhibition with a virtual reality and inspiration room offers a hands-on experience of the innovative strength of Smurfit Kappa. In addition the location is a meeting center and office for employees of the global Smurfit Kappa concern. In 2016 a second floor was added to the design and the headquarters were relocated to this Schiphol office. The spaces are connected with a refined new staircase and void.
The design by Fokkema & Partners is a unique free flowing and interactive experience, while never taking the overhand over the packaging and innovations of Smurfit Kappa.

Photography by Horizon Photoworks.