Enduring transparency

The new Hofman Animal Care business premises, located in the De Elsmoat business park in Enter, the Netherlands, is the result of collaboration between the clients (founder Gerrit Hofman and his son Arjan Hofman), architects STUDIO-NL and interior designers Harmeling Interieurs.
The new premises consist of offices and reception, showroom and production and storage spaces, including a 10,000 square metre warehouse capable of handling 16,000 pallets. A large section of the roof is covered by photovoltaic panels. The new site is designed in keeping with the company’s philosophy of sustainability, openness and transparency.
A family owned business, Hofman Animal Care has grown steadily since it was founded back in 1987 and has built up a reputation as a reliable producer and wholesaler of a wide range of supplies for pets and farm animals, including food supplements, care products and toys from well-known brands. The more than 8,000 products are mostly available from stock and are exported to more than 40 countries. The company’s key strengths include quality, reliability, an efficient website and a rapid response to customer requests. Sustainability also plays an increasingly important role. As well as adopting eco-friendly raw materials and packaging, Hofman has made sustainable architectural and interior design choices.
As the Rijssen-based interior designers Harmeling Interieurs explained, the father and son owners played an active role in the design of the interiors and set out some clear guidelines:
“The design brief was simple: to create good quality interiors but without exaggerating. Rather than trendy or fashionable, the building was to be a welcoming, bright place that would maintain its visual quality for years to come. It is fronted by large windows and the offices are likewise organised with glass partitions in transparent open spaces. The dining area is practical and comfortable, with a spacious and attractively finished bar counter that in turn faces onto an outdoor space ideal for use in summer.
Another important aim of the architectural and interior design project was to ensure seamless continuity between the indoor and outdoor spaces, a sensation enhanced by the use of materials and colours.”
This sense of continuity is particularly evident in the flooring, which like the other surface coverings used throughout the building consists of Alchimia collection tiles from Ceramica Del Conca. This metallic, oxidised-effect porcelain tile combines an intentionally worn look with exceptional durability, while the large format evokes an industrial aesthetic.
Along with the circular and seagull-shaped pendant lamps, another striking feature is the white plaster animal head artworks that gaze down mutely from the double-height wall and state the company’s mission louder than words.