Valentyns office in Cologne is "designed around a principle of timelessness"

Classic furniture pieces and neutral colours are meant to give an ageless quality to the interior of this office in Cologne, designed by architect Thomas van den Valentyn.

The 2,100-square-metre Valentyns office occupies a 1960s building beside the River Rhine and provides a mix of formal workspaces and high-end wellness facilities.

It's the brainchild of entrepreneur Ferdinand Stahl, who wanted to create a design-led workplace that could support employees in both a professional and personal capacity, ultimately resulting in optimal business performance.

"Our vision was never just to build a workplace, but to create a modern tool that gives ambitious companies a competitive edge," said Stahl. "Better tools lead to better outcomes and the office should be no exception."

To devise the fit-out of the office, Stahl teamed up with his uncle, the architect Van den Valentyn. They began by implementing new partitioning and back-of-house systems within the building's concrete shell.

"Technically, we upgraded everything: from electrical to ventilation, from energy systems to sustainability measures," Van den Valentyn told Dezeen.

"In that sense, it was a near-gut renovation – not structurally, but functionally. Our aim was to show that working in an existing fabric can lead to spaces that feel contemporary, efficient and forward-looking."

Neutral colours and natural materials were then used to decorate the interior, ensuring that it felt "grounded yet enduring".

In the entrance lobby, a gneiss stone desk sits against fluted wood panelling. The offices that lie beyond feature pale timber floors, off-white walls and pistachio-coloured blinds that reduce glare from the windows.

"The interiors are designed around a principle of timelessness – both in look and in function," explained Johannes Van Linn, a designer from Van den Valentyn's office who steered aesthetic decisions on the project.

"This approach reflects our long-standing experience with materials and spatial design: we know from practice which finishes truly last, both aesthetically and physically."

Dotted throughout is an array of classic furniture pieces, such as the modular Haller desk by USM, leather stools from Thonet and Fritz Hansen's Series 7 swivel chairs.

"We chose iconic design classics not only for their aesthetic longevity and craftsmanship, but also for their adaptability," explained Stahl.

"These are pieces that have proven themselves over decades. Selecting such pieces is also a conscious sustainability choice: they hold their value, don't become obsolete, and avoid ending up as waste."

For Van Linn, the arrangement of the furniture was also imperative.

"Some areas encourage informal, lateral conversations – like our kitchen setup, where lounge chairs are positioned side by side rather than face to face, fostering a more relaxed and non-confrontational exchange," he said.

"Others, like our standing meeting areas, are designed for efficiency and energy."

The basement accommodates all the wellness amenities, including a gym, Finnish sauna, custom-made ice bath, and a treatment room where workers can treat themselves to facials, IV health drips, and more.

A restaurant and adjoining terrace can also be found at Valentyn's ground level.

Other recently completed workspaces with striking interiors include this Melbourne office by Foolscap Studio, which has a layout inspired by ancient Roman forums. Zeller & Moye have also created a plant-filled office in Bochum, Germany that has a "walkable landscape" made from felt.

The photography is by Felix Speller. 

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