Founded in 1950, the family-owned Kortmann Beton operates in a rural industrial area with an ambitious mission: to showcase concrete's remarkable versatility and position it as a cornerstone of sustainable building practices. Attracting top talent to a remote location requires more than a job—it demands an inspiring workplace. The company's original headquarters had become inadequate for this vision, prompting a complete transformation. Engelshove Bau took the helm, with architect Anja Engelshove and civil engineer Jochen Engelshove designing a striking modern workspace with loft sensibilities. Beyond functional brilliance, they crafted an immersive exhibition space where customers can directly experience concrete's potential.

The renovated building makes an immediate impression from the street—a structure with undeniable character. Inside, that character deepens. Visitors are welcomed at the reception desk by an illuminated "Kortmann" sign set against striking wallpaper, anchored by a meticulously restored lift-table base topped with polished stone. Suspended overhead, Tom Dixon lights at varying heights cast a warm glow across the glass surfaces. Beyond reception, a floor-to-ceiling living green wall dominates the lounge area, backlit and featuring an integrated large-format display. Relaxed groupings of designer furniture invite guests to absorb the welcoming ambiance. The exhibition space evokes an outdoor market atmosphere, complete with tree-lined islands. The palette—light concrete and warm wood floors, punctuated by dark tones, glass partitions, and black fixtures—is unified by accent wallpapers and textiles that add visual intrigue. Here, products reveal themselves in real-world contexts. A sleek open show kitchen serves as both event space and communication hub, featuring black surfaces and a marble countertop with integrated sink. "Whatever design direction you take," Anja Engelshove explains, "consistency is paramount—in material selection and in maintaining a cohesive design vocabulary throughout." This philosophy extends everywhere, even the washrooms, where black fittings complement black walls, dark green tile meets matching marble vanities, and coordinating wallpapers create unexpected sophistication. For staff, the design prioritizes open, collaborative zones and workstations separated by glass partitions with an industrial aesthetic. The meeting room features acoustic panels with integrated lighting, paired with practical technology—a large video conference display and strategically placed microphone for flawless acoustics from every seat. A dedicated lounge with sound-dampening carpets and textiles provides a restorative retreat, while employees enjoy choices: table football, quiet seating nooks, bean bag loungers, or dedicated spaces for power naps and massage. The partially planted rooftop terrace and outdoor zones continue the invitation to pause and recharge.

www.engelshove.de

Photography Credits:

Arnt Haug
www.arnt-haug.de

(Published in CUBE Ruhrgebiet 02|23)