安永办公室，由穆氏（M Moser Associates）设计打造 丨荷兰格罗宁根

M Moser Associates redesigned the EY offices in Groningen, The Netherlands, to foster collaboration and concentration through an efficient open-plan layout that seamlessly integrates quiet zones and communal spaces.

EY’s Groningen office has been redesigned to create a more efficient, connected workplace that supports collaboration, concentration and long-term growth. Working closely with EY, M Moser reconfigured the existing office layout to maximise spatial efficiency while creating an environment that naturally encourages teamwork.

The previous workspace was divided across two floors, which limited day-to-day interaction between teams and reduced opportunities for spontaneous collaboration. By consolidating the workplace onto a single floor, the new design strengthens team connectivity while making better use of the available footprint. The planning strategy focuses on ensuring that every area of the office supports a clear purpose—whether enabling focused work, encouraging collaboration or fostering informal interaction.

A key consideration for the design was supporting the working styles of EY’s tax and legal teams, whose work often requires extended periods of deep concentration. To address this, the office integrates quiet zones directly within the open-plan layout, allowing employees to shift easily between collaborative work and focused tasks. Small ‘just-in-time’ rooms provide spaces for short, intensive work sessions, giving individuals the opportunity to step away from the main workspace without needing to book formal meeting rooms.

These rooms are designed with glare-free lighting and tinted glass to reduce visual distractions and eye strain. The translucent glass also provides a subtle visual cue, indicating that the rooms are intended for temporary focus rather than long-term occupancy. This approach helps maintain availability while reinforcing a culture of shared resources.

A dedicated library space further supports concentrated work. Housing reference materials related to tax regulations, legal frameworks and industry insights, the library provides a quiet environment for reading, research and document preparation. Although designed primarily for focused work, it remains visually connected to the wider workplace, allowing employees to transition easily between individual study and team discussions.

Across the main workspace, the open-plan layout promotes a sense of togetherness while maintaining comfort and acoustic balance. Ergonomic furniture, acoustic panels and bespoke joinery help manage noise levels while supporting wellbeing. Storage units are used strategically to create subtle spatial divisions between work areas, maintaining openness while defining zones for different teams.

The arrival experience was carefully considered to help employees transition into the workday. A calming entrance sequence, enhanced by soft lighting and the gentle sound of birdsong, creates a moment of pause between the outside world and the workplace. This sensory approach establishes a relaxed atmosphere from the moment people enter the office.

The design also responds to Groningen’s position as a major university city. With strong competition for emerging talent, the workplace plays an important role in shaping EY’s employee experience. The new office supports a more social and collaborative culture, with open layouts and shared spaces that encourage interaction between teams throughout the day.

Sustainability was integrated into the project through a circular design approach. Upcycled textiles were used for desk surfaces, repurposed wood was incorporated into acoustic elements and recycled carpet tiles were selected to reduce material waste. Existing building elements, including ceiling panels, were retained wherever possible to minimise embodied carbon and construction impact.

Through careful planning and thoughtful design, the Groningen office demonstrates how optimising space can strengthen collaboration, support focused work and create an environment that people actively choose to be part of.

Design: ：

M Moser Associates

Photography: ：

Chris Wharton