The new Advice Centre of Rabobank Westelijke Mijnstreek in Sittard accommodates 320 employees in an inspiring work environment. Historically set up as a cooperative bank, Rabobank has an open culture with a community-oriented approach. Mecanoo translated the core values of the bank into an inviting and appealing design.

Three impressive wings end in glass facades that extend three floors high. The remaining facades feature yellow-white mottled bricks made of yellow clay to which local marl has been added. The planning of the Rabobank Advice Centre corresponds to a people-centric workplace approach that focuses on more flexible ways of working.

Depending on their specific needs, staff can choose between workspaces aimed at interaction or concentration. Clients of the bank, many of whom are of self-employed, are also welcome to use the building.

The natural stone pavement of the entry plaza continues inside where visitors are welcomed in the lively central hall that offers views of activity on the upper floor offices. Sculptural roof-lights and strategically aligned lighting accentuate the building’s form.

The multipurpose auditorium in the central hall is equipped with flexible workspaces for employees as well as clients, and can host both informal meetings or larger events such as lectures.

A 60-metre-long custom-designed, semi-transparent curtain surrounds the auditorium, creating different atmospheres, from open to intimate, depending on its position. The building obtained a BREEAM Very Good certification and is connected to the Green Network that reuses residual heat generated by industry from the nearby Chemelot industrial park.