PROJECT

New headquarters for Royal Talens Apeldoorn

CLIENT

Royal Talens

ARCHITECT

Bronsvoort Blaak Architecten BNA

CONTRACTOR

Pleijsier Bouw Genemuiden

MERCHANT

BMN | Kooy

FACING BRICKS 

linea 7035

PROCESSING

Random bond laying without butt joints, with recessed ribbon joint 

Photography: Klaas Tuin & Egbert de Boer (drone photo)

In Apeldoorn, iconic Dutch brand Royal Talens has given tangible form to its vision for the future with a new headquarters and state-of-the-art factory. Vande Moortel's linea 7035 facing bricks play a defining role in the project. Their warm, subtly light-grey tones bring together creativity, craftsmanship and sustainability in an architectural design that is as expressive as it is functional.

For more than a century, Royal Talens has developed drawing and painting materials used by professional artists and creatives around the world. The new headquarters occupies a prominent site along the main access road to the Apeldoorn Noord business park, directly beside the A50 motorway. The distinct visibility of the location called for an efficient, clear-cut architectural design while expressing a strong identity. Bronsvoort Blaak Architecten BNA translated that ambition into a carefully considered composition consisting of three volumes: the factory, the office building and the parking garage. Each volume has a clearly defined role, while a transparent, welcoming entrance area brings them together into a coherent whole.

Brick as an expression of identity

The detached office building called for a material palette that would clearly distinguish it from the more functional factory. Brick proved the natural choice. Not only does the material reflect the creative products for which Royal Talens is known, it also offers the design freedom needed to realise a complex façade concept. In the linea 7035, the design team opted for a facing brick that conveys warmth and refinement.

The relatively long, slender bricks are laid in a random bond with recessed flush-pointed joints, reinforcing the strong horizontal emphasis of the façades and lending tranquillity and elegance to the large volumes. At the same time, the linea 7035 makes it possible to sculpt the flaring and angled sections of the façade into a graceful architectural form.

The brickwork also takes on a special significance at the entrance, where the facing brick continues seamlessly into the interior, creating a physical link between outside and in. Combined with iroko timber window frames and oak finishes on the stairs and seating tiers, it enhances the warm grey tones of the brick. The result is an inviting space where materials, light and function come together naturally.

Sustainability and craftsmanship

Architectural quality was matched by a strong commitment to sustainability. The new headquarters were conceived as a future-oriented production and office facility, with careful consideration given to energy efficiency, material selection and landscape integration. Brickwork supports these ambitions perfectly, offering durability, minimal maintenance and timeless appeal. The project was delivered by Pleijsier Bouw, whose focus on craftsmanship and precision is evident throughout. The meticulous bricklaying and attention to detail underline the importance of close collaboration between architect, contractor and manufacturer.

With these new headquarters, Royal Talens quite literally anchors its future in brick. Linea 7035 gives the complex a warm, distinctive identity while translating the brand's core values of creativity, craftsmanship and quality into an enduring, expressive architectural design.