Sustainable renovation

A conscious decision was made to use the renovation as an opportunity to make sustainable improvements. These included the fitting of sustainable installations and the introduction of LED lighting. The new control system also contributes to sustainable consumption and greater working comfort.

Riaan Peene, Director of Building & Project Consultancy at Savills, explains, “In the course of the renovation work, we made every effort to keep any inconvenience for the staff at Ploum to a minimum. One way of achieving this was to always keep one floor at a time free as a basis for operations. Both the owner and the building’s users are very satisfied with the whole process and the end result. All told, we can look back on a successful and dynamic renovation project.”

Contemporary high-end entrance

Architectural firm Casper Schwarz Architects chose to reflect the style of the former bank building in their interior design of the entrance, in combination with a sleek and contemporary look. The use of marble echoes the style of the old bank, an effect enhanced by the wide staircase incorporating a transparent revolving door and an illuminated fabric wall bearing the Ploum logo. The result is a light, inviting space with an entrance that embodies the contemporary identity of the law firm.

The history of the building

Blaak 28 was designed by the Rotterdam architect A. van der Steur. The former Twentsche Bank building dates from 1950 and was one of the first new buildings to be completed in Rotterdam after the Second World War. In 2010 the property was given listed status.

LaSalle Investment Management purchased Blaak 28 from REAL I.S. in 2019. This renovation work was carried out on behalf of REAL I.S. The other parties involved were:

• Architect: Casper Schwarz Architects
• Mechanical and electrical installations: Unica Building Projects
• Contractor: Van Omme & de Groot
• Installation consultant: Hori Raadgevend Ingenieursbureau
• Project management: Savills