Head Office Anthura in Bleiswijk: A Modern Architectural Landmark by Atelier PRO Architects

A Visionary Office for a Global Leader in Plant Breeding

Atelier PRO Architects has redefined the corporate identity of Anthura with the design of its new head office in Bleiswijk, Netherlands. As a global leader in anthurium and orchid breeding, Anthura required a workspace that not only reflects its high-tech and innovative character but also enhances its engagement with clients and visitors. The result is a cutting-edge architectural project that seamlessly integrates the office with the company’s adjacent greenhouse complex and research facilities.

An Office That Embodies Anthura’s Identity

Situated in the highly specialized glass horticultural region of Bleiswijk, Anthura’s facilities include state-of-the-art greenhouses and a research center established in 2019. However, its existing office building was outdated and did not align with the company's innovative vision. The redesign by Atelier PRO Architects transforms the head office into a visually striking and functionally superior workspace, reinforcing Anthura’s position as a market leader.

The architectural concept revolves around enhancing Anthura’s outward appearance while maintaining a strong connection with its core business. The new office design prioritizes transparency, sustainability, and functionality, serving as a model for future developments on-site.

Adaptive Reuse and Sustainable Design

The renovation of the Anthura headquarters was rooted in sustainability. Rather than demolishing the existing structure, Atelier PRO retained the original building’s floors and load-bearing structure. The facade and floor plans, however, were completely reimagined to create a contemporary and welcoming workspace.

One of the key architectural moves was the introduction of a glass facade that opens up the previously enclosed display greenhouse. This transparency allows visitors to experience Anthura’s cutting-edge research and plant breeding processes, reinforcing the brand’s identity through architectural expression. The new head office shares this transparent, campus-like aesthetic, visually linking it to the greenhouses and laboratories.

Balancing Scale and Corporate Identity

One of the design challenges was bridging the scale difference between the expansive 450,000 m² greenhouse complex and the comparatively compact 2,930 m² office building. To address this, the office was elevated on a raised platform, providing it with a sense of prominence. Vertical facade elements further enhance its stature, giving the building the presence of a corporate headquarters while maintaining harmony with the surrounding greenhouse structures.

A Workplace That Enhances Functionality and Experience

Inside, the office is divided into two distinct experience layers:

1. Public and Exhibition Spaces: These areas serve as an interactive ‘customer journey’ leading visitors through the building to the display greenhouse. The interior design incorporates a mix of graphic and exhibition elements to create an engaging visitor experience.
2. Workspaces and Employee Areas: At the core of the building lies the canteen, acting as the social hub for Anthura’s employees. Surrounding this central area are flexible workstations, meeting rooms, and quiet concentration zones. The use of warm tones, abundant greenery, and a dynamic mix of perennial and seasonal plants reinforces a connection to nature, creating an inspiring and comfortable work environment.

The technical facilities, which do not require natural light, are positioned centrally within the building. The remaining workspaces benefit from an open layout, maximizing natural daylight and promoting a sense of openness and collaboration.

Landscaping: Extending the Interior Experience Outdoors

Connecting the office to the greenhouse complex is an enclosed garden designed by Oase Landscape and Urban Design. This lush outdoor space translates the tropical ambiance of Anthura’s plant breeding facilities into an immersive natural setting. The landscape plan, developed in collaboration with Atelier PRO, enhances the connection between the built environment and nature, reinforcing Anthura’s identity as a company deeply rooted in horticulture.

A Model for the Future of Greenhouse Areas

Beyond serving as an innovative corporate headquarters, the Anthura project raises broader questions about the future of greenhouse landscapes. These areas exist at the intersection of urban and rural environments, often evolving organically without strict architectural planning. With this project, Atelier PRO Architects explores the potential of actively shaping such environments, setting a precedent for future developments in the Dutch greenhouse industry.

Conclusion: A Harmonious Fusion of Architecture and Identity

The Head Office of Anthura in Bleiswijk is more than just a workplace—it is an architectural statement that embodies the company's innovative spirit and global leadership in plant breeding. By merging adaptive reuse, transparency, sustainability, and a strong visual identity, Atelier PRO Architects has created a corporate headquarters that seamlessly integrates with its surroundings while standing as a modern architectural landmark.

All the Photographs are works of Eva Bloem