A Water Wall Behind a Listed Facade: Interface Marks a Decade in Krefeld's Former Gatehouse
Published on 11/03/2026 at 05:41 | Editorial boerse-global.de
Ten years ago this month, flooring manufacturer Interface moved into a listed gatehouse on the Mies van der Rohe Campus in Krefeld. The address, Girmesgath 5, has served ever since as both a working office and a showroom — a dual role the company designed into the space from the outset.
The building itself dates to 1935 and 1936, when it was constructed to designs by architect Erich Holthoff. Interface took possession in November 2016 and set about turning it into what it calls its Living WorkPlace, an office concept built around close-to-nature elements.
Nature inside a heritage shell
Roughly 650 square metres of floor space accommodate about 25 employees. In shaping the interior, Interface drew on the principles of biophilic design, an approach that deliberately weaves natural elements into the working environment.
Among the building's more striking features is a water wall spanning two storeys. Plants are scattered throughout, and part of the basement has been opened up and left exposed. The aim, according to the company, is to pair historic industrial architecture with nature-oriented room elements in a way that lifts day-to-day wellbeing and fosters a productive atmosphere.
Nearly 40 products on live display
The site does more than house desks. It also functions as a presentation space for Interface's own portfolio, with just under 40 different products currently on show in Krefeld. Because the flooring is installed in a working office rather than a static exhibition hall, visitors can examine materials and designs as they perform in practice.
Over the past decade the Living WorkPlace has likewise become an events venue. Company figures put attendance since opening at several thousand trade visitors, drawn by events, workshops and hybrid formats.
All of which leaves the Krefeld site doing two jobs at once: a workplace for Interface's own staff, and a platform for professional exchange on modern working environments and sustainable interior concepts.
