DEME’s new headquarters takes shape: a future-proof workplace crafted by POLO

Over the past years, POLO has been working on the comprehensive redevelopment of DEME’s campus in Beveren-Kruibeke-Zwijndrecht. The goal: to transform their site into a coherent, future-proof working environment with people at its core. Recently, the final piece of this transformation has entered its construction phase: the renovation and extension of DEME’s new headquarters. 

POLO was tasked to turn a cluster of interconnected office buildings into a single, coherent and high-performing workplace ecosystem. While simultaneously designing an office building that introduces a modern way of working at DEME.

A coherent whole—inside and out

A key part of the assignment lies in untangling the existing building complex. By introducing a simple yet powerful architectural intervention, POLO brings structure and coherence to a previously fragmented ensemble. Bridges between buildings are filled in, allowing staircases and elevators to be repositioned more logically. This not only improves internal flow and interbuilding cooperation but also frees up substantial space for generous and comfortable office areas.

Clear ground plans and an intuitive circulation concept ensure that employees can navigate the headquarters effortlessly, an essential step toward a more integrated and collaborative work culture.

Designing for people and performance

The new headquarters is designed with people at its core. Offering healthy, inspiring and flexible workspaces that support creativity, concentration and teamwork, while setting the stage for future implementation of activity-based working across the office environment.

Alongside the spatial reconfiguration, POLO ensures the expanded HQ meets ambitious sustainability targets. Energy efficiency, climate neutrality and long-term adaptability are central to the design, making the entire headquarters resilient for decades to come.

The move to the renewed headquarters is scheduled for the end of 2027.

team

Client: DEME

Contractor: MBG

Engineers: Ney & Partners, Sweco

Architecture: POLO.platform

Interior architect: POLO.platform

Landscape architect: OMGEVING

3D visualisations: Luce