LIMES international Story by STOL architecten LIMES international

LIMES international

STOL architecten as Architects

When LIMES International wanted to relocate to a purpose built office in Valkenburg, The Netherlands – STOL architecten created a building with a striking exterior and airy interior. The build features a number of staircases designed by specialist, EeStairs - which come together to create a spectacular effect. The building houses all the company’s needs, including individual office spaces, meeting rooms and a restaurant. The new building has been designed with no obvious front and rear façade in order to make the most of views over the river ‘de Rijn’ and the rest of the town. “LIMES International specified a spacious office building that could easily accommodate any future changes or expansions and had an open and inviting atmosphere,” explains Chris Warmenhoven, architect/partner of STOL architecten. “With this in mind we opted for an abstract design and modern shaped building.” The end result is a bold monolithic style building that appears to be placed on a glass plinth, giving the illusion that this iconic building is lighter than air, hovering in place. The façade of the building is finished with Mosa Terra Tones tiles in shades of grey that are arranged around staggered openings, which heighten the buildings sculptural quality. Large rectangular windows, framed with Accoya wood, are positioned on each side of the building, which in turn is orientated to make the most of the surrounding views. The inside of the building has been equally carefully considered in collaboration with interior architect, Ciomé. Although simplistic at first glance the white walls, light wooden floors and stainless steel that characterises the interior of the LIMES International building ensures that even the central atrium of the building has a light feel. When designing the building LIMES International was very enthusiastic about the staircase ideas by STOL architecten. The central atrium features a number of striking staircases that come together to create an eye-catching feature. In collaboration with EeStairs, the internationally renowned staircase manufacturer, STOL architecten designed a series of staircases that crossed the square atrium space at asymmetric angles. With white stringers, frosted glass treads and stainless steel handrails the stairs are perfectly in keeping with the rest of the interior and add to the weightless feel of the space. The stairs add an exciting experiential element to the interior; by being set at unusual angles the staircases provide interesting vantage points into the workspaces as well as a wonderful view to look out on from a desk. Complex positioning of the staircases also represents the importance of interconnectivity in the work place and has become a physical representation of the importance of people coming together and working as a cohesive team. “The possibilities at EeStairs are endless. They make stairs of very high quality, both in the level of detail and the in the design,” said project architect Jean-Paul Corèl. “The staircases for LIMES International project have been carefully positioned to frame a statement light feature,” explains Cornelis van Vlastuin, EeStairs’ Creative Director. “The combination of the cascading light feature and the staircases add to the feeling of buoyancy that the building exudes resulting in an exceptional interior.”

Project Credits
Manufacturers
Product Spec Sheet

ElementBrand
ManufacturersMosa
ManufacturersAccoya
ManufacturersEeStairs
Product Spec Sheet
Manufacturers
by Mosa
Manufacturers
by Accoya
Manufacturers
Project Spotlight
Product Spotlight
News
PLATO Gallery of Contemporary Art: Architecture finalist in Mies van der Rohe Awards 2024
29 Mar 2024 News
PLATO Gallery of Contemporary Art: Architecture finalist in Mies van der Rohe Awards 2024

In this Archello series, we look at each of the seven nominated projects (five architecture finalist... More

Detail: sliding panels of natural pine protect a residential complex from the Mallorcan sun
29 Mar 2024 Detail
Detail: sliding panels of natural pine protect a residential complex from the Mallorcan sun

Spanish architecture firm OHLAB has recently completed Paseo de Mallorca 15, a residential complex o... More

Snøhetta designs new extension for the world’s oldest ski museum in Oslo
28 Mar 2024 News
Snøhetta designs new extension for the world’s oldest ski museum in Oslo

Global transdisciplinary architecture and design practice Snøhetta has designed a new entranc... More

10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete
27 Mar 2024 Specification
10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete

Precast concrete is made by casting concrete in a reusable mold. These molds are made of various mat... More

Sameep Padora and Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India
26 Mar 2024 News
Sameep Padora & Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India

Mumbai-based Sameep Padora & Associates (sP+a) has completed Hampi Art Labs in Toranagallu, a vi... More

Introducing Partner Thermory AS
26 Mar 2024 Partner News
Introducing Partner Thermory AS

Thermory AS offers a diverse product range that includes durable exterior cladding, decking, interio... More

Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality
25 Mar 2024 News
Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality

Brooklyn Tower, standing an impressive ninety-three stories tall with a unique neo-deco crown, is al... More

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury
25 Mar 2024 Archello Awards
Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright have been announced as Archello Awards 202... More