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The Coulisse Campus, an ambitious project designed to unite the best people, place, and products in one location, has reached a significant milestone with the completion of Phase One. Christiaan Roetgering, CEO of Coulisse, shares the inspiration and vision behind this transformative project.
The Vision
In 2016, Christiaan and Maurice Roetgering conceived the idea of building a campus. Their goal was to create a dynamic environment fostering creativity, productivity, and well-being. “The Coulisse Campus is more than just a workplace,” Christiaan explains. “It's a community where innovation thrives and our team feels inspired and motivated every day.”
The design of the new Coulisse logistics center draws inspiration from the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech. During a visit, Christiaan was captivated by its unique architecture, designed by Studio KO. The museum's facade features an intricate lattice of bricks forming cube-like structures reminiscent of woven fabric textures, while the interior features smooth, luxurious surfaces evoking the feel of a couture jacket lining. This blend of artistry and functionality influenced the Coulisse campus design, resulting in a space that epitomizes sophistication and creativity.
The campus development is planned in three phases. Phase One, now complete, includes a new logistics center with offices for the warehouse and customer service teams. Phase Two will expand the logistics center with a fully automated warehouse, childcare facilities, and sports amenities for employees. Phase Three will relocate the remaining company departments, including management, IT, finance, marketing, engineering, and sales teams, as well as the smart experience center, to the new campus.
The architectural design of the Coulisse Campus is the result of a unique collaboration between the renowned Italian firm Piuarch and Erwin Kleinsman Architects. Christiaan shares the serendipitous story of how the partnership with Piuarch began: “I had a chance encounter with Francesco Fresa, Piuarch's partner and co-founder, at an open house during the Milan design furniture fair in 2018. We ended up talking for hours, forming an instant connection.”
Erwin Kleinsman Architects, Coulisse's trusted partners since 2000, brought their deep understanding of the company's style to the project. The collaborative process explored various options for materials and building shapes, ultimately settling on brick as the main material to reflect the history of the 19th-century textile industry while creating a unique blend of traditional and modern design elements.
Phase One construction, from March 2023 to June 2024, was expertly managed by local partners. Gerben Huuskes of SBM Building and Real Estate in Almelo oversaw the project, with Volker Wessels in Rijssen as the main contractor. Christiaan emphasizes Coulisse's commitment to the local community: “As a family-owned business with deep roots in the Twente region, we intentionally partnered with Twente-based companies for various aspects of the campus construction.”
Interieur Oost, a long-time partner of Coulisse, designed the interiors for the campus. Known for blending creativity with craftsmanship, their designs are both visually stunning and highly functional. In collaboration with Masterstone from Rijssen, who supplied the terrazzo flooring, sinks, and countertops, they crafted a cohesive, elegant design that reflects Coulisse's commitment to innovation and excellence.
ODIN Landscapers, in collaboration with Coulisse, Erwin Kleinsman, and other partners, are creating a vibrant, sustainable landscape that harmonizes architecture with nature. The 70,000-square-meter outdoor space will incorporate local plants, flowers, and trees, offering a high-quality, sustainable environment that enhances the well-being of employees and visitors while reflecting Coulisse's innovative spirit.
On September 14, 2024, Coulisse celebrated the official opening of its new logistics center, marking the completion of Phase One. The event honored the company's journey and the legacy of the Roetgering family, particularly Truus Roetgering, whose vision and values have deeply influenced the business.
Looking ahead, Phases Two and Three will further transform the campus. Phase Two will introduce a cutting-edge, fully automated warehouse with RFID technology, capable of storing up to 120,000 rolls of fabric. Phase Three, planned for completion over the next decade, will bring all Coulisse departments together on the campus.
Christiaan reflects on the future with excitement: “The completion of Phase One is just the beginning. Our goal is to create a campus that reflects our values—timeless, functional, and beautiful. Phases Two and Three will not only transform our operations but further solidify Coulisse as a leader in the window covering industry. We're just getting started on this incredible journey.”