Employees move through rows of wooden crates filled with tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, and more. Each fruit carries seeds developed by Rijk Zwaan, the international specialist in fruit and vegetable breeding.
This work unfolds inside the Seed Connect Centre, a purpose-built facility next to the company’s headquarters in De Lier, the Netherlands. Here, seeds are extracted from harvested crops, carefully cleaned, and prepared for distribution. The building also includes a dedicated visitor area, offering a view of Rijk Zwaan’s expertise.
With 4200 employees working across more than 30 countries, and an assortment covering 30 crops and around 1800 varieties, the centre also plays a role in connecting global collaboration.
Designed by RoosRos Architecten, the Seed Connect Centre integrates acoustic control throughout. Three ranges of Rockfon acoustic ceiling tiles – a total of 6000 square metres – were installed by Jaleco Totaal Projectafbouw to support comfortable acoustic conditions for people across both processing and visitor spaces.
A shared vision, built over time
The collaboration between RoosRos Architecten and Rijk Zwaan has developed over many years. Prior to the Seed Connect Centre, the architectural practice designed Rijk Zwaan’s headquarters, the expansion of an R&D facility in the town of Fijnaart, and the Seed Quality Centre in De Lier – a complex for testing and research techniques in the field of seed quality. This continuity laid the groundwork for a close working relationship and a shared understanding of the company’s culture and ambitions.
“From the very beginning, we worked side by side with Rijk Zwaan on the design for the Seed Connect Centre. Optimally integrating all the functions at this location was a complex puzzle,” explains RoosRos architect and partner Simon Hanemaaijer.
“Ultimately, we succeeded in creating not only a functional building but also an inspiring work environment that brings people together. The community centre was elevated and positioned nine meters above the ground between the production hall and the offices, with a roof terrace on both sides and views of the surrounding landscape.”
According to Simon Hanemaaijer, connectivity was a guiding principle throughout the project. “Various functions and building components – such as the logistics centre, the extraction hall, offices, and the centrally located community centre – have been brought together into a single, cohesive whole.”
Equally important was the relationship between the working environment and nature. “The connection between the work environment and nature is crucial. The design focuses strongly on the relationship between indoors and outdoors, from the perspective of a healthy work environment.” A large indoor patio brings daylight deep into the factory, supporting well-being while also creating a welcoming outdoor space for employees.
The ceiling as an eye-catcher
The finishing phase brought its own challenges. According to Sjaak Verheij, project manager at Jaleco Totaal Projectafbouw, this was “a tricky little project.” He is referring in particular to the installation of Rockfon Color-all Special acoustic ceiling tiles in a custom colour, Umbra Gray RAL 7022.
“Together with the installer, we thoroughly prepared the technology that needed to be installed above the ceiling. You don't want to have to remove those tiles a few times to get up there. That just runs the risk of stains and even damage. That's certainly not ideal with this colour.”
In the central atrium, the ceiling became a defining design element. “I don't say this often, but the architect's design is truly beautiful,” Sjaak Verheij says, referring to the multifunctional meeting space.
“The trusses are diamond-shaped and remain visible. We installed Rockfon Color-all Special ceiling tiles with a diamond-shaped surfaces. A real eye-catcher, also because of the colour contrast.”
He points to the interplay of materials and tones throughout the space. “The light wood colour of the trusses, which is also reflected in the stairs and acoustic wall cladding – which we custom-made, by the way – combined with the dark gray of the ceiling panels and the green of the plants in the planters and the moss panels, which we didn't actually make. It's truly a sight to behold.”
The contrast becomes even stronger in the auditorium. “The stands with seats in various shades of red, from light to truly dark red, with the beautiful, high acoustic wall in a light wood colour and the dark gray ceiling.” The seven-metre-high wall was a particular point of pride. “This is where our expertise truly shines. It's truly custom work.”
Elsewhere in the building, the palette becomes more restrained. “The predominant colour of the ceilings in the hallways and offices is white. Here, we installed Rockfon Pallas.”
Precision in finish and performance
Beyond ceilings and walls, Jaleco’s role extended into detailed work. “We did a lot of carpentry,” Sjaak Verheij explains. “For example, the wooden frame of the large screen in what we called the Dome.”
The space can be closed off with curtains and is finished entirely in black, from the floor to the Rockfon Color-all ceiling in the Charcoal shade. “You can close off this space – coloured entirely black, from the floor to the Rockfon Color-all ceiling in Charcoal – with a curtain, creating the atmosphere of a movie theater, hence our name.”
"All in all, it's been quite a project for us, with 6000 square metres of suspended ceilings." Alongside Color-all Special and Rockfon Pallas, Rockfon CleanSpace was installed in the restrooms – acoustic ceiling tiles designed for hygienic environments that require disinfection protocols.
“It took us exactly a year, but the end result is definitely impressive. We're rightly proud of it!”
