Coulisse Campus Phase 1 completed: a milestone in innovation

The Coulisse Campus is an ambitious project that aims to bring together the best people, places and products in one location. With the completion of Phase 1, this project has reached an important milestone. Christiaan Roetgering, CEO of Coulisse, shares the inspiration and vision behind this groundbreaking project.

The vision

In 2016, Christiaan and Maurice Roetgering came up with the idea of building a campus. In doing so, their goal was to create a dynamic environment that encourages creativity, productivity and well-being. "The Coulisse Campus is so much more than just a workplace," Christiaan explains. "It is a community where innovation thrives and our team feels inspired and motivated every day."

Inspiration from Marrakech

The design of Coulisse's new logistics center was inspired by the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech. During a visit, Christiaan became fascinated by the unique architecture, designed by Studio Ko. The facade of the museum is decorated with an intricate brickwork grid pattern with a cube structure resembling woven fabric. In contrast, the interior has smooth surfaces with a luxurious feel reminiscent of the lining of a couture jacket. This combination of artistry and functionality influenced the design for Coulisse's campus, creating a space that embodies sophistication and creativity.

Stages of development

Development of the campus is planned in three phases. Phase 1, now completed, consisted of the construction of a new logistics center with offices for the warehouse and customer service. In Phase 2, the logistics center will be expanded to include a state-of-the-art, fully automated warehouse with RFID technology that can store up to 120,000 rolls of fabric. There will also be childcare facilities and sports facilities for employees. Phase 3, to be completed within the next ten years, will see the relocation of all of Coulisse's other departments to the campus, including management, IT, finance, marketing, engineering, the sales teams and the smart experience center.

Architectural collaboration

The architectural design of the Coulisse Campus is the result of a unique collaboration between the renowned Italian architecture firm Piuarch and architect Erwin Kleinsman. Christiaan explains how the collaboration with Piuarch came about: "In 2018, at an open house during the Milan design and furniture fair, I happened to meet Francesco Fresa, Piuarch's partner and co-founder. We got talking for hours and immediately clicked." Erwin Kleinsman, an architect and a trusted partner of Coulisse since 2000, applied his in-depth knowledge of the company's style to this project. Several options for materials and building forms were explored during the collaborative process, reflecting Coulisse's commitment to innovation and excellence.

Official opening and future plans

On September 14, 2024, Coulisse's new logistics center was officially opened. This also marked the festive conclusion of Phase 1. The event was a tribute to the journey as a company and the legacy of the Roetgering family, especially Truus Roetgering, as her vision and values strongly influenced the company. Christiaan looks to the future with enthusiasm, "The completion of Phase 1 is just the beginning. Our goal is to create a campus that reflects our values: timeless, functional and beautiful. Phase 2 and 3 will not only transform our operations, but also further strengthen Coulisse as a leader in the window coverings industry. We are only at the beginning of this incredible journey."