entrepreneurs Archives - De Meelfabriek

POORTGEBOUW

It was slated for demolition, but now the charm of the Poortgebouw (gate house) is of great value to De Meelfabriek and it is even designated as a national monument. The old Poortgebouw has been restored and adapted for reuse.

The building dates back to 1940 and, like the adjacent Directiekantoor, is designed in a style influenced by Functional Expressionism by architect B. Buurman. It originally served as a bicycle storage and garage for executive cars.

In the rear section, storage spaces will be built for the residents of the Meelpakhuis, along with the necessary transformers. At the front, the contractors and construction staff will be temporarily located.

DIRECTIEKANTOOR

Once the headquarters of Meelfabriek De Sleutels, housing the management, administration and laboratory, this building now accommodates seven inspiring companies. The property has been fully restored, with the exterior facade, windows, and interior spaces brought back to their original state where possible. The numerous original elements exude the atmosphere of its remarkable history.

The Directiekantoor was built in 1940, designed by architect B. Buurman in the style of Functional Expressionism. The facade features a brickwork plaque of a corn mill from 1734 called ‘De Oranjeboom’ (The Orange Tree). The laboratory on the second floor was used for chemical testing of the flour. Factory workers would conduct test bakes to determine if the flour met the required quality standards. They would take home the test loaves and cakes in the evenings. The authentic Leiden keys above the entrance symbolize the company that had been called ‘Meelfabriek De Sleutels’ since the 1920s. The previous name, ‘Stoom-meelfabriek De Koster & Co.’ (Steam Flour Mill De Koster & Co.), became obsolete with the advent of electricity.

WHO’S WHO IN THE DIRECTIEKANTOOR

DESIGN, TECHNOLOGY, AND SUSTAINABILITY - ALL IN ONE OFFICE BUILDING

From solo entrepreneurs to teams, everyone enjoys working in one of the coveted offices within this listed monument complex. The occupants have a strong connection to the new purpose of the building. The reuse of De Meelfabriek instead of demolition, particularly for its sustainability, is something they appreciate deeply.

AS I -SEARCH – Anne Marieke Schwencke Anne Marieke Schwencke is an independent researcher in the local energy transition.

GDandP – Graphic Design & Photography, the name speaks for itself. Experience the enthusiasm of this great agency for yourself.

NPK Design is a team of designers, engineers, strategists and researchers with a passion for solving complex problems.

OWN Agency – This advertising agency helps brands grow by using creativity that motivates people.

Polarising is a Portuguese technology company that provides integration services and customized end-to-end software solutions, Yvonne Kubbinga is Country Manager of the office in the Netherlands.

VVKH architecten is a firm of architects who are enthusiastic, committed and knowledgeable partners in the residential and non-residential construction sectors.

Rimadesio The exclusive Rimadesio Monobrand in the Netherlands in collaboration with Noort Interieur.