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Intervest launches new corona proof concept for offices: Nereos
We thought for a little while that the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic would only be temporary. But it is now gradually becoming clearer that the chance that we will have to continually adapt to a reality in which the norm is 1,5 metres distance, bubbles and extreme hand hygiene is particularly large.
A new way of living also requires a new way of working or at least an adapted working environment. And what is Intervest’s answer to this new reality? It is Nereos: New Reality Office Space. Our interior designer, Isabelle Rossignol, who joined Intervest in June, has developed a new workplace in a relatively short period of time that fully meets the norms of a world dominated by containing COVID-19. As from September, we will be displaying this concept on our show floor in Mechelen Business Tower.
With the launch of the Nereos concept, Intervest embraces all possible ways of preventing infection in the office as effectively as possible. Let us tell you more.
Beyond real estate: more than just a slogan
Our slogan, “beyond real estate”, actually says it all. We are constantly responding to changing circumstances, continually evolving together with our clients and their environment and going beyond merely leasing square metres. We have one goal: to provide an extensive service and flexible solutions so that clients can focus on their core activities.
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has not been easy for anyone, including us. But by continuing to stick to our “beyond real estate” mission, we can continue to focus on the needs of the client in all circumstances. In these times of corona too, we continue to listen to the wishes of our clients, think along with them and move forward, and keep on offering added value.
The Nereos concept fits seamlessly into our turn-key solutions, but that’s not all. It’s also proof that we as Intervest always continue to think about the ideal working environment, which constantly meets the needs of the client, the business or, in this case, a changing society.
#1 We separate public and private
In an office in which the Nereos concept is applied, there is an absolute separation between public and private spaces. This can literally take the form of working on different floors, but can also be realised on one and the same floor.
By using this separation, there is as little contact between people as possible. In this example, the public part contains the reception and meeting rooms - the places where guests can be received. The private part contains the open spaces, the flexible work spaces, the lunch room, etc.
#2 We apply strict one-way traffic
In both the public and private spaces, we apply strict one-way traffic. This behaviour is stimulated by clear direction indicators on the floor and on the walls. We have in the meantime all become familiar with these classic indicators in the form of stickers. After all, we see them everywhere on the streets. Within the Nereos concept, you can find these same indicators integrated into the design in an aesthetically appealing manner, stimulating people to walk in the right direction. Furthermore, awareness-raising LED texts are also installed on the walls. With illuminating messages such as “walk this way”, we attract attention in a visually pleasing manner.
#3 We encourage distancing
We all know we need to keep a distance of 1,5 metres around ourselves in order to avoid infection. In a Nereos office, this distance is indicated visually by means of round carpets under each sitting place. You sit down, your chair is on the carpet - and the one and a half metre distance is immediately made clear to yourself and the people around you. In general, we reckon on twenty square metres per person when furnishing an office: if this is adhered to, it should be possible to guarantee the one and a half metre distance.
#4 We reduce the number of contact surfaces
Furthermore, it is important to ensure that visitors touch as few surfaces as possible: these are the places where a virus has free rein. To this end, adapted door handles have been developed which can easily be opened and closed with your elbow. Automatic waste bins that work with a sensor also offer a solution. An additional way to guarantee distance between people entering and leaving the room is the installation of double doors instead of single doors. If touching a particular surface is unavoidable, a number of disinfecting points are spread around the office.
#5 We make smart use of microarchitecture
As far as furniture is concerned, microarchitecture is used. In the Nereos concept, we consciously opt for “furniture that is almost architecture in itself”. Have you ever come to work in one of the Greenhouse hubs? If so, you have probably already seen it with your own eyes because the demarcated flex workstations are a perfect example of this. The layout of the co-working spaces is extended in an office layout. The flex workstations are separated by acoustic felt panels. These have the same function as Plexiglas, but are much more visually appealing and they absorb sound.
Everyone’s budget can be accommodated
On these projects, Intervest works together with Vitra, a high-end brand for designer furniture. That means high quality and aesthetically interesting furniture to integrate into the new way of working.
We offer three formulas to convert existing offices into an environment that takes account of the containment of the coronavirus: budget, standard and high-end. In this way we bring our expertise to everyone who needs it, regardless of the size and budget of the business.
Want to know more? Then please get in touch!
Are you also planning to turn your own office space into a space where the necessary measures have been taken to limit the spread of the coronavirus? Please don’t hesitate to contact us.
