KPS AG is one of the fastest growing business consulting firms in Germany. We were by their side providing tenant advisory services when the groundbreaking ceremony for the new building took place in autumn 2017 and served as a general contractor for interiors to ensure that the entire interior plan had been implemented smoothly by the time the company moved in in October 2019.
- 8.000 m² net floor space
- currently 350 workstations, up to 425 workstations
- 55 meeting areas und 20 conference rooms
- Start of planning period: 2017
- Move-in: Oktober 2019
- Architects: Kleihues + Kleihues (Jan Kleihues and Norbert Hensel with Michael Alshut)
KPS found exactly what it was looking for in the form of the “countinghouse on the quay”. With an excellent location on the shore of Lake Phoenix, a 24-hectare artificial lake created on the site of a former steelworks, the property was still in its planning stages at the time. The new building was commissioned and is leased out by Dortmund-based construction and property company Freundlieb and was designed by renowned architectural firm Kleihues + Kleihues.
Involved right from the start
When it moved in, KPS doubled its office space in Dortmund to 8,000m2, a clear signal of its belief in the city and of its growth plans. KPS engaged us at an early stage to act as a tenant advisor and support it with specialist knowledge and experience, because the new building will have to be able to meet future as well as current needs and open up new prospects. After winning the company over with our “from the inside out” approach, we supported KPS for two years through several phases of construction and successfully intermediated between the interests of the investor, the building’s owner and its future users with our plans for the interior.
Glass partition walls for flexibility and soundproofing
The plans called for the new building to be able to adapt dynamically to the company’s development and to take into account its high requirements in terms of communication and focussed work. That is why KPS chose a glass partition wall system, which is superior to conventional plasterboard walls in several respects: glass walls create transparency, bring daylight into the building and facilitate eye contact. They also make it possible to convert the space much more rapidly and affordably and without the associated dust and dirt. The glass partition wall system we used is also on a par with conventional drywall when it comes to soundproofing.
More communication, improved acoustics
We optimised the acoustics in cooperation with renowned acoustics experts Oldenburg by making a range of calculations and reference measurements. The acoustic elements required are flush-mounted into the glass partition walls so that the concrete core activation ceiling remains unaffected.
Our plan also opened up new opportunities for communication: in addition to several conference rooms, meeting rooms and quiet areas, we also designed the company canteen, including its roof terrace, to function as a working and meeting space.
New spaces for new modes of working
With its two design centres and the innovation campus, KPS’s customers have the opportunity to gain insights and to collaborate on projects such as website or process design. The high-quality furnishings featuring products by Vitra and USM Haller along with numerous customised fittings reflect the high level of significance that KPS attaches to its employees and their work environment, as well as the company’s long-term and sustainable objectives. The attractive working environment in its excellent location is a key aspect in enhancing the company’s attractiveness as an employer in the competitive consulting and IT sector.
“Our strong growth meant that a change of location and expansion of our office space was needed. Above all, however, the new offices are an expression of our open company culture and facilitate in-depth discussion with our clients.”
“We are delighted that KPS, a leading consulting firm in Europe, decided to move into our “Kontor am Kai” (“countinghouse on the quay”) property.”
“When it came to planning and installing the glass partition walls, projekt k was a partner that offered both soundproofing and flexibility.”
“A state-of-the-art environment that takes account of the increasing digitalisation of society, business and professional life.”