The Zwijnaarde Office Building project, designed by VI Architectuur, is a compact office space located on the village square of Zwijnaarde. The building was designed to accommodate two companies while maximizing space efficiency. One of the key design challenges was respecting the nearby historic country house dating back to the 1600s. To preserve the character of the surroundings, the office building was partially built underground, which allowed the ground floor to feature large windows overlooking the garden and provides a seamless connection to the outdoor environment. The large sliding windows on the rear façade open onto the terrace, providing ample natural light and a view of the greenery. The ground floor houses shared spaces like meeting rooms, a library, a kitchen, and sanitary areas, while the first floor features two separate office spaces, balancing between functionality, privacy and collaboration. To maintain privacy while allowing natural light, fixed windows were placed in the front and rear, with additional windows behind a perforated brick façade, ensuring ample daylight without disrupting the building's harmony with its surroundings. The aluminum joinery features Avantis Smartline and Confort Monorail systems. These were chosen for their sleek, minimalist design, which fits perfectly with the building’s modern yet understated aesthetic. The large glass surfaces, especially the sliding windows on the ground floor, help to create a sense of openness, blending indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly. The building’s compact form and careful material selection, including the use of façade brick for natural shading, ensure a comfortable indoor climate. The building's placement on the site minimizes its environmental impact while contributing to its energy efficiency. The interior also showcases high-quality woodwork, further enhancing the building’s sustainable design. This project shows a balance between modern architecture, sustainability, and respect for historical context. The Zwijnaarde Office Building stands as a testament to innovative design that fosters a productive and inspiring workspace.