A new office space in Cologne, Germany, demonstrates how classic design principles can create timeless work environments that prioritize both professional functionality and employee well-being. The 2,100-square-meter Valentyns office, housed within a 1960s building alongside the River Rhine, represents a comprehensive approach to modern workplace design that balances formal work areas with high-end wellness facilities.
The project emerged from entrepreneur Ferdinand Stahl's vision to develop a design-focused workplace that supports employees in both professional and personal capacities, ultimately aiming to optimize business performance. "Our vision was never just to build a workplace, but to create a modern tool that gives ambitious companies a competitive edge," Stahl explained. "Better tools lead to better outcomes and the office should be no exception."
To realize this vision, Stahl collaborated with his uncle, architect Thomas van den Valentyn, who led the comprehensive renovation of the existing concrete structure. The project required extensive updates to the building's infrastructure while maintaining its original architectural framework.
"Technically, we upgraded everything: from electrical to ventilation, from energy systems to sustainability measures," Van den Valentyn said. "In that sense, it was a near-gut renovation – not structurally, but functionally. Our aim was to show that working in an existing fabric can lead to spaces that feel contemporary, efficient and forward-looking."
The design philosophy centers on timelessness, both in aesthetic appeal and functional durability. This approach influenced every aspect of the interior design, from material selection to furniture placement. Johannes Van Linn, a designer from Van den Valentyn's office who guided the project's aesthetic decisions, emphasized this principle.
"The interiors are designed around a principle of timelessness – both in look and in function," Van Linn explained. "This approach reflects our long-standing experience with materials and spatial design: we know from practice which finishes truly last, both aesthetically and physically."
The interior design features a carefully curated neutral color palette and natural materials throughout the space. Upon entering the building, visitors encounter a lobby featuring a gneiss stone desk positioned against fluted wood paneling. This sets the tone for the rest of the office, which maintains consistent design elements including pale timber floors, off-white walls, and distinctive pistachio-colored blinds that effectively reduce window glare.
Furniture selection played a crucial role in achieving the desired timeless quality. The office showcases an array of classic design pieces, including modular Haller desks by USM, leather stools from Thonet, and Fritz Hansen's Series 7 swivel chairs. These choices reflect both aesthetic and practical considerations.
"We chose iconic design classics not only for their aesthetic longevity and craftsmanship, but also for their adaptability," Stahl noted. "These are pieces that have proven themselves over decades. Selecting such pieces is also a conscious sustainability choice: they hold their value, don't become obsolete, and avoid ending up as waste."
The arrangement of furniture and spaces was strategically planned to encourage different types of workplace interactions. Van Linn described how various areas serve specific social and professional functions within the office environment.
"Some areas encourage informal, lateral conversations – like our kitchen setup, where lounge chairs are positioned side by side rather than face to face, fostering a more relaxed and non-confrontational exchange," he said. "Others, like our standing meeting areas, are designed for efficiency and energy."
The kitchen areas specifically emphasize relaxation and informal interaction, creating spaces where employees can engage in casual conversations away from formal meeting environments. This design approach recognizes the importance of different communication styles and settings in modern workplace dynamics.
Beyond traditional office spaces, the building incorporates comprehensive wellness amenities located in the basement level. These facilities include a fully equipped gym, a Finnish sauna, a custom-made ice bath, and a dedicated treatment room where employees can access various wellness services including facials and IV health treatments. This extensive wellness center reflects the growing emphasis on employee health and well-being in contemporary workplace design.
The ground level features additional amenities including a restaurant and an adjoining terrace, providing employees with dining options and outdoor space within their work environment. These facilities contribute to the office's goal of supporting employees' personal needs alongside their professional responsibilities.
The Valentyns office project demonstrates how existing buildings can be transformed into contemporary workspaces without sacrificing their architectural heritage. The renovation successfully updated all building systems while preserving the structure's original character, proving that sustainable design practices can achieve both environmental and aesthetic goals.
This approach to office design reflects broader trends in workplace architecture, where companies increasingly recognize the connection between physical environment and employee performance. By investing in both functional workspaces and comprehensive wellness facilities, the Valentyns office represents a holistic approach to supporting modern workforce needs.
The project joins other notable recent workplace designs that prioritize innovative interior solutions, including a Melbourne office by Foolscap Studio inspired by ancient Roman forums and a plant-filled office in Bochum, Germany, by Zeller & Moye featuring a "walkable landscape" made from felt materials.
Through its combination of timeless design principles, sustainable renovation practices, and comprehensive employee amenities, the Valentyns office in Cologne establishes a model for how traditional buildings can be adapted to meet contemporary workplace requirements while maintaining aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency.
