'Building TAB can be made accessible'

Building TAB on Strijp-T is being revitalized by the Kragt Group and partners. The old corrugated cardboard factory can become a makerspace, believe Jeroen and Martijn van Wezel.

Kragt Groep has found a home in the former Philips building TAB on Achtseweg Zuid in Strijp-T. The real estate developers and interior designers have found space for their office, as well as for partners who turn their ideas into actions. The company of brothers Jeroen and Martijn van Wezel has rented about half of the old cardboard factory of Philips with some partners.

The building is located on Strijp-T, which is used as an industrial estate, at the gate on Achtseweg Zuid. The Van Wezels immediately feel at home in TAB. "We were in the Glass Building on Strijp-S, which was a bit tight for us. Here we find a nice, raw space. We were immediately charmed by the surroundings," said Jeroen van Wezel. "And we can grow and develop here. Having our partners in the same building is also very convenient: you can quickly have a discussion if needed," added Martijn van Wezel.

Flexwork concept

The Kragt Group is responsible for the flexible working concept Kick Offices at the Philips Stadion and the design of the new seventh floor of the Klokgebouw for the company StudyPortals. The temporary offices for the nine employees of Kragt Group are located on the floor where the well-known Eindhoven design duo Kiki and Joost used to be; they have moved to Hurksestraat 19. A large hole has been cut in the wall, providing a view of the workshops for wood, sheet material, and steel in the nine-meter-high hall with V-shaped concrete pillars and many machines. The companies that have also found a place there are Lovd Interiors and construction company BER. "It would be nice if we could create a kind of maker space with the tenants of the two halls of TAB that are still available," said Martijn van Wezel.

Power plant

According to the owner of Geva BV, there are discussions with two serious candidates for the two remaining halls. They are also in talks with interested parties for the much larger, adjacent building TQ. The company is also developing a plan for the layout of the area and the connection to the former Philips power plant, which is currently being transformed into the Innovation Powerhouse for design company Van Berlo, among others.

Source: Eindhovens Dagblad, Friday 27 January 2017