As a response to the modern office prototype and the new pressure on workspaces caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Tiny Offices present an alternative ‘brain-activity-office of the future’ in the Netherlands. A design collaboration between Dutch Invertuals, Chris Collaris Architects and Droomparken, the project consists of compact office spaces in a natural setting for users to dream, perform and create in.

The team conceptualised the project by asking, “What kind of space would work much better than your office when thinking about doing your job?” Further inspired by nature-embedded architecture, the team designed tiny offices as a sort of ‘end of the world-place’, with ample room for working and thinking.

A pleasant scene of nature through a huge wood-framed window creates a relaxing ambience and a spiritual space for insight, within a tension between the indoors and outdoors. Views of the holiday parks of Droomparken seep through the tall space, the recreational environment encouraging users to socialise, collaborate or withdraw themselves as they desire. “That ultimate freedom is the starting point for your thinking process,” the team explains.

The 2.2 m x 2.75 m functional office spaces are thoroughly equipped for focus. Care has been taken to ensure quality aesthetics with high-end materials like felt, fabric and acrylic. A large window is placed to inspire users with the natural environment while minimising distractions. The height of the office, rising from 2.4m to 4m, symbolises the imaginary space to think.

Imitating the colour tones of the environment, raw aluminium corrugated plates are used to fabricate the facade and the roof. Specific materials are used to produce the most optimised workspace, adapted to the functionality of each surface. The small and intimate space is designed to support relaxation and productivity. A resting place and workplace have also been provided to facilitate the brain.

An acrylic wall that users can write on also makes the space seem more spacious. Acoustic felt doubles as a pinboard and a noise barrier. Super functional acoustic walls eradicate distractions and serve as a pinboard and sketch board. 

The appealingly coloured interiors were a conscious effort by three designers - Raw Color, Thomas Ballouhey and Tijmen Smeulders. Dutch Invertuals asked the designers to create a colour combination with the selected materials, and they painted the interiors as per their styles and preferences. Some chose brightly hued interiors for “their” tiny office, while some employed darker, sophisticated tones. Different colour palettes create a variety of work environments to choose from for a personalised “braincation”.

First launched during Dutch Design Week 2018, Tiny Offices has since been realised in different holiday parks of Droomparken across the Netherlands. Currently, four Tiny Offices are scattered over the holiday parks of Droomparken, with more envisioned to be built soon.