Work and leisure come together at MELT on Strijp-T in Eindhoven.
'Shh, I'm trying to sleep'
Michel Theeuwen
MELT, a new concept of office space developed by Kragt. On the work and lounge bench Martijn van Wezel (right, creative director and owner) and Koen van Loon (workspace developer). © Jean Pierre Reijnen/DCI Media.
The most striking shared facilities are the game room and the spot for a nap at the office, with a massage chair and three sleep cabins that can be darkened. Is there really a need for that? "During a tour, I entered the relaxation area while talking. Immediately I hear, 'shh, we're trying to sleep'. Yes, the spots for a power nap are already being well used," says Martijn van Wezel, creative director of Kragt.
Kragt develops work environments and also designs them themselves, from design to execution, such as in the Videolab at Strijp-S and the PSV stadium. With the new concept MELT, Kragt has taken over the beautiful top floor of building TQ. Six weeks ago, the interior design was completed, and now only four out of the fifteen office units are still available. Not for nothing, Van Wezel is already considering rolling out the MELT concept elsewhere in the city, in Amsterdam, "and why not all over the world," said the creative director of Kragt, who is also based just around the corner at Strijp-T.
The space with sleeping cabins for a power nap in between (new) work at shared workspace MELT in building TQ at Strijp-T in Eindhoven. With Koen van Loon from Kragt on the right. © Michel Theeuwen
MELT is primarily intended for service-providing scale-up companies in the technical/creative industry that are ready for something bigger, but do not want or are not able to rent a whole building yet. "You notice that many shared workspace concepts are not very flexible when a company grows. We have solved that here," says Koen van Loon from Kragt. At MELT, a company rents a fixed unit of four, six, ten, or twenty workstations. In addition, each tenant can purchase a number of 'memberships' for employees. These 'members' can then use the shared facilities and the individual workstations.
"What you see is that a company, for example, starts a branch in Eindhoven with a few fixed workstations. Some employees then only need to be here occasionally. For this, the company takes a few member spots so that those people can come and work here," Van Loon explains. "And that fits in perfectly with this time of corona: employees who work from home can also come to the office. We see that with our own people who can also temporarily come here now," adds Van Wezel.
Building TQ on Strijp-T in Eindhoven with shared workspace MELT on the top floor. © Michel Theeuwen
The fixed units are glass offices spread over the floor, always adjacent to the outside, with a view and their own rooftop terrace. A kind of smoked glass has been chosen for privacy and to prevent the shop window effect. Tenants can somewhat customize the interior. Additionally, on the floor, there are phone booths (especially for video calls at the moment), quiet spaces to work, conversation units for two people, large sofas to lounge or work, and a presentation room. Centrally located, there is also a pantry - a kitchen to prepare lunch or dinner. Equipped with a few good espresso machines. "The good coffee indicates our level of quality," says Van Loon. And of course, the corner where you can game on a large screen. And the area with sleeping spots.
"Power naps? No, that's not for me, I don't wake up feeling good after an afternoon nap," says Ivo van Reij from Organic United, one of the tenants of MELT. "However, we are huge fans of the rooftop terrace and balconies. That's where the buzz happens, even during Covid19 times. Like today at the first Friday afternoon drinks, although it shouldn't get too cozy. Sometimes we also play FIFA in between. And I also like to join in on weekends. Soon, we are thinking about starting the day together at Eindhoven Gym in TQ, even though it's currently only outdoors. To start fresh and energized at the office."
Van Reij took the next step with his company that connects organic farmers and their customers, moving from Microlab at Strijp-S to TQ. "We have grown to four employees and here we have the opportunity to further expand in a professional, sustainable environment. Here we also find more connection with other tenants who are involved in sustainability. Our salespeople, who are often in the field, can work here a few days a week as members."
MELT should facilitate users in the 'new way of working', say Van Wezel and Kragt. "For this generation, work and leisure blend into one, hence the name MELT. This brings together the living and working environment," says Van Wezel. "So, the children can come along and play games here. Or a company can cook a shared dinner in our kitchen," adds Van Loon.
The target audience does not only come here to work.
But isn't it much better to separate work and personal life? "We only facilitate what the target group needs," says Van Loon. "Companies want to attract young talent and provide an inspiring workspace for that purpose. For many younger employees, there is also a social aspect where they can connect. A beer on the rooftop terrace, working out together in the building's gym. That's what they are looking for, they don't come here just to work alone." "We want to eliminate that traditional office feeling," adds Van Wezel. "We create an environment where you don't watch the clock. Where you can stay even after five o'clock. And then you can have a nice meal on the rooftop terrace, instead of at home." Van Loon hopes to further enhance the level of service by soon being able to offer a prepared lunch. "And if the COVID-19 measures allow it, we also want to have a hairdresser come by. If there is a demand for it."