News
Dec 10, 2024
Client-First Force in Construction
Bulsink, a General Contractor trusted by top brands like Rituals, Coolblue, and IWG, is poised to strengthen its position in the office market. The family-owned company from Son en Breugel, renowned for its high-quality and rapid project delivery, aims to make every office a comfortable workspace. “Clients can count on a seamless transition from concept to turnkey delivery,” says Debbie Melis, Commercial Director.
How Bulsink is Emerging as
Innovative and Client-First Force in Construction
Having established its reputation by building for well-known brands and premium hotels like the Hard Rock Hotel, Bulsink has expanded its operations in recent years to Germany and France. Since constructing its first Rituals store in 2003, Bulsink has supported major brands in their international growth, proving itself a reliable partner for long-term sustainable collaborations.
Hospitality Mindset
The General Contractor, which began in retail, hospitality, and leisure, has recently broadened its focus to office spaces—a logical step, Debbie explains. “From our hospitality-driven approach, we know how crucial the customer is. We understand our clients and their brands. With our construction and development expertise, we’ve helped retailers build and expand their concepts. For our clients, we’re always seeking to realize their dreams.
“In this post-COVID world, where hybrid working is the norm, this philosophy now applies to the office market as well. Companies are looking for fewer, but better-designed office spaces—environments that emphasize experience, inspiration, and team spirit. With this hospitality-driven mindset, Bulsink has entered the office market. The offices we deliver embody hospitality principles.”
According to her, this is not just marketing talk, as evidenced by Bulsink’s own headquarters at the Ekkersrijt industrial park. “The experience starts with music in the parking lot, the welcome in our lobby with coffee and chocolates, and a luxurious, warm hotel-like ambiance. Our office floors feature many natural materials such as wood and natural stone, abundant natural light, spacious transparent areas, plenty of plants, and a luxurious pantry on every floor for coffee breaks and informal discussions. Not only do our employees feel at home here, but our clients do as well.”
Health and wellbeing
The literal highlight of their headquarters is the top floor. “Here, we eat, socialize, present, and meet. Visitors first encounter our stylish bar for hosting events, followed by a restaurant offering freshly prepared meals and a private dining space. At the back, there’s a recreation area with a pool table, table tennis, and a wooden amphitheater for presentations. Healthy food has helped us lower absenteeism. When our clients visit, they see and feel what Bulsink represents. We’re proud to offer our bar, restaurant, and meeting spaces for their use as well.”
Five-Star Experience
Bulsink has already earned recognition among numerous office users and operators, Debbie notes. “We built the headquarters for Rituals and offices for companies like Northpool, Happy Horizon, and Royal Sanders. We are also one of the preferred General Contractors for IWG, the world’s largest provider of flexible office spaces. Bulsink has built most Spaces and Regus offices in the Netherlands. Recently, we delivered the Holbeinhuis on the Coolsingel in Rotterdam. It’s one of IWG’s signature global offices, akin to five-star hotels in the office segment, offering luxurious workspaces in prestigious locations such as London, New York, Paris, and now Rotterdam.
“We’ll soon sign an agreement for another IWG office, and we’re also working on several office projects in Brainport Eindhoven and the Zuidas business district in Amsterdam.”
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With the Holbeinhuis on the Coolsingel, Bulsink has delivered an office for IWG that offers a five-star experience
Risk-Bearing
What sets Bulsink apart from conventional construction firms, according to Debbie, is their entirely client-focused approach. “With nearly a century of construction experience, we know how to plan efficiently, make quick decisions, and adapt. We understand the unique demands and specific preferences of each client, working closely with them to create custom offices that are functional, aesthetically appealing, and sustainable.
“As a proactive partner, Bulsink transforms designs from sketches into feasible concepts, ensuring affordability and practicality. We take full responsibility for the construction process and the final result. Clients come to us with their vision, and we handle everything—from permit procedures and development to turnkey delivery.”
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As a general contractor, we take full responsibility for the construction process and the final result.
innovation
Bulsink achieves speed by using the latest technologies, she explains. “Having worked with brands for so long, we understand how crucial deadlines are. A store, hotel, or restaurant has an opening date that’s sacred. That's why we always manage to deliver on time, even with tight schedules. Our technical design team, consisting of twelve BIM specialists, plays a key role in this. When a client brings in their architect’s sketch, we immediately draft and measure it using a digital robot. If it’s an existing building, we first visit the site to scan the property. From that point, the client can walk through their future office in virtual reality. This allows us to show both the possibilities and limitations of the space. With augmented reality on a regular iPad, we can even walk through the old building and show the new office layout. By displaying every detail, we eliminate potential errors, enabling us to build more efficiently and faster.”
ESG-normen
"The more sustainable, the better, but ultimately, it’s the client who decides," emphasizes Debbie. "Our ability to act quickly is also thanks to our vast network of subcontractors and suppliers, our dedicated and well-coordinated client teams, and a project manager who is always ready to step in. With this extensive network, we can make smart purchasing decisions and always stay within budget. Bulsink applies the latest sustainable technologies and construction methods to ensure the office is, if needed, Paris-proof and meets the strictest ESG standards. Whether it’s energy-efficient systems, biobased building materials, or smart sensors, Bulsink can create a green, healthy, and intelligent work environment that benefits the environment, investors, and users alike. Of course, we meet our clients' needs, but we always collaborate with them to find the best solutions. Our advice on how to make an office even better or more suited to their needs—whether it’s the layout, climate control, or sustainability—is something clients typically take to heart."
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Bulsink creates custom office concepts that are functional, aesthetically appealing, and sustainable.
building ambitions
Bulsink has big ambitions, concludes Debbie. “In five years, Bulsink will be the innovative force in construction, agile and client-focused. We are building a strong team together that tackles challenges and pushes boundaries. Our focus will be on sustainability and making an impact. To increase our visibility in the office market, we recently hired asset manager Monica Giesbers. Bulsink already has an entrepreneurial and commercially-driven culture, stays ahead of trends, and is flexible and agile. Monica embodies these qualities. With her appointment, we aim to raise our profile among key players in the office market. She will build and maintain relationships with them. But of course, it’s also our completed office buildings that speak for us. For Bulsink, no office project is too big or too small. For any self-respecting developer, owner, tenant, or manager, Bulsink can be the ideal General Contractor. We’re ready to support them.”