The building’s façade is defined by clean, geometric lines that create a simple yet striking presence. Each floor slab extends outward in all directions, serving to block direct sunlight from the workspace while emphasizing the façade’s distinctive layered effect. The entrance features a custom blue glass curtain wall prominently displaying an oversized ASICS logo, set within a deeply recessed section of the façade. At the center, a two-story transparent curtain wall on one side contrasts with a green-planted platform on the other, breaking the horizontal symmetry and adding visual interest.
The architectural concept draws inspiration from the courtyard of a traditional European palace (palazzo), establishing a symbolic and physical heart for the building. The atrium replaces the typical office lobby, combining informal gathering, exhibition, and public spaces into one vibrant area. Natural light floods the elevated atrium through a glass ceiling above, illuminating the space below. Surrounding each floor are four expansive, pillar-free office areas, each spanning 2,800 square meters. A dynamic stairwell—referred to as a “traffic box”—connects the central atrium to each floor, interrupting the horizontal lines and encouraging interaction. As users navigate the open staircase, it fosters both physical and visual connections among occupants.
At the heart of the atrium lies “ASICS World,” a unique three-dimensional display space dedicated to the ASICS brand. This area consists of a series of irregularly stacked boxes that attract visitors’ attention through their dynamic form, contrasting with the building’s otherwise straightforward façade. Beyond acting as a display cabinet, ASICS World serves as a multifunctional venue for informal events such as presentations, conferences, and design showcases. Surrounding this core on the first floor are leisure and entertainment amenities including restaurants, health bars, gyms, and brand specialty stores, creating a vibrant social hub.
Powerhouse Company, a forward-thinking design firm, created an efficient and flexible layout to optimally support diverse workstyles, fostering innovation and collaboration among employees. Each floor features floor-to-ceiling glass windows, ensuring abundant natural light and offering panoramic views of Amsterdam’s historic defense line, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996. The all-glass curtain wall, combined with sleek overhanging eaves, gives the building a distinctive silhouette. Additionally, sections of the façade are recessed to create terrace spaces on each floor, allowing direct access to outdoor areas from inside.
Designed around ASICS’ philosophy that “a healthy mind comes from a healthy body,” the building meets the highest sustainability standards, earning WELL Gold and LEED Gold certifications. The design prioritizes indoor environmental quality and comfort by conserving energy and reducing carbon emissions. Strategically placing the stairs near the atrium encourages employees to choose stairs over elevators, promoting physical activity and wellness as an integrated part of their daily routine.
The ASICS EMEA headquarters is set to become one of the most sustainable office parks in the Netherlands. Surrounded by green spaces, sidewalks, and gardens, this highly visible site shares the area with global brand Danone. To enhance sustainability, the design team partnered with intelligent technology experts bGrid to develop a smart building equipped with a smart grid system. This system monitors temperature, carbon dioxide levels, and lighting, allowing individuals to control environmental conditions via an app. It also facilitates workplace management through features like Find My Colleague, Room Booking, and Workspace Finder.
Design Drawings
▲ General layout plan
▲ First floor plan
▲ Second floor plan
▲ North elevation view
▲ Sectional view
Project Information
Architectural Firm: Powerhouse Company
Location: Hoofddorp, Netherlands
Category: Office Facilities
Project Leaders: Nanne de Ru and Paul Stavert
Project Leader: Dirk Jan Schaap
Project Team: Michiel Bosch, Maarten Diederix, Koen van den Dungen, Meagan Kerr, Mitchel Veloo, Erwin van Strien, Gert Ververs, Max Nossin, Bjørn Andreassen, and Anouk Bras
Building Area: 11,600 m²
Project Year: 2019
Photographer: Sebastian van Damme
Suppliers: Prince Cladding, Interalu, Duracryl, Nophadrain bv, MOSO
Owner: ASICS
Developer: RED Company
Interior Design: Powerhouse Company and CBRE
Landscape Design: LAP Landscape & Urban Design
Contractor: Pleijsier Bouw
Structural Engineer: IMD Engineers
Project Management: DVP
Finance: NIBC
Investor: 90 North
ASICS Consultant: CBRE
RED Company Consultant: Cushman & Wakefield
MEP Engineer: Deerns
Architectural Physics: DGMR
Intelligent Technology Consulting: bGrid
Construction Cost Consultation: DVP
Concept Stage: Skonk
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