Pearl in the Polder: a workplace that inspires

A striking new icon is growing in the green heart of Krimpenerwaard: Pearl in the Polder. A triangular office that not only shines in form, but also brims with sustainable ambitions. "We are not building just any office, but a place where collaboration and innovation come together," says Timo Stuij, plan developer and sustainability manager.

De Vries en Verburg, based in Stolwijk, is a developing builder with great ambition. Active in twelve sectors, ranging from non-residential to residential construction, the company works on projects in the Amsterdam-Utrecht-Rotterdam triangle. The company's growth called for an expansion of the existing office. "In 2019, we saw that our projects became more complex and required more collaboration. We simply needed more space," Stuij explains. 

The construction company needs more than just additional office space. Pearl in the Polder will be a little brother to the existing office: close by, recognizable, but with a distinct "next level" look. "The new office is designed as a place where collaboration is central. Meeting rooms, brainstorming areas and an inspiring work environment make this possible," says Stuij. 

Impressive durability 

The design of Pearl in the Polder catches the eye immediately. The triangular floor plan is not only aesthetically striking, but also functional. The three core values of De Vries en Verburg, "reliable," "committed" and "driven," are literally reflected in the design. The building combines concrete and wood in an innovative way. "The basement and the raised first floor are concrete, but the four floors above consist entirely of wood construction. This is not only more beautiful, I think, but also more sustainable," Stuij said. The sustainability ambitions don't lie. The office is striving for certifications such as BREEAM-NL 2020 Outstanding and WELL v2 Platinum. It also meets Paris Proof standards and an MPG score that is 60% sharper than the legal requirement. "We aimed to minimize CO2 emissions, both in construction and in use. We did that with a Whole Life Carbon approach and innovations like wooden portals 9 meters wide and 13 meters high." 

Not working together, but collaborating 

Designing Pearl in the Polder required collaboration at the highest level. During the design phase, different disciplines locked together several times to come up with joint solutions. This led to clever innovations such as the addition of green canopies around the building. "These canopies not only provide sun protection, but are also an aesthetic and functional asset. We even came up with a construction where you can walk over them for maintenance," Stuij explains. In addition, the design emphasizes movement and well-being. The elevator is deliberately less prominent, while the staircase is invitingly designed. The location also provides space for such things as lunch walks and boot camp sessions. "We want our employees to stay healthy and feel part of a team. Meanwhile, nearly 25% of our colleagues participate in bootcamps."

A polder full of perspective 

With completion scheduled for April 2025, Pearl in the Polder symbolizes the future of De Vries en Verburg. The building is not only a workplace, but also a business card. "With it, we show what we can do and how sustainability and innovation really make an impact," Stuij concludes. 

Pearl in the Polder proves that an office can be more than a building. It is a space where people, ideas and ambitions come together. A real pearl in the greenery of Krimpenerwaard.