KRC Genk chooses high-quality bespoke furniture for its new training center

The new H. Essers Training Center is designed to give KRC Genk’s technical staff and players all the facilities they need to perform at their best. The interior fit-out of the complex has been fully tailored to support this ambition. Pami was responsible for the furniture and the design of various workspaces and meeting areas. The Limburg-based office fit-out specialist distinguished itself not only for its technical execution and production, but also for its input on ergonomics, materials and colours, and the practical layout of the different spaces.

‘During the Easter holidays, we received a request for a quotation from PCp Architects in the form of a tender specification, in which each type of furniture had already been defined in some detail, including its look and feel,’ says Astrid Hamblok, Senior Account Manager at Pami, when asked how the ball got rolling. ‘At the same time, there was room for us to put forward our own proposals. Following a visit to our showroom, several meetings took place to further refine the requirements, user needs and technical specifications.’

That attention to detail was essential: a professional football club’s training center is anything but a conventional office environment. Coaches, analysts and other staff constantly switch between meetings, preparation and analysis. The fit-out had to support this dynamic way of working as effectively as possible. Thanks to its combination of expertise, bespoke manufacturing capabilities and a constructive contribution to the design process, Pami stood out from the competition and was ultimately awarded the contract. Just before the summer holidays, Pami and the architect finalised the colours and remaining details, after which production began. The furniture is scheduled for delivery in October.

A focus on ergonomics

‘Ergonomics was a key consideration. During the design process, we collaborated with the architect to find the solutions best suited to the needs of the training center’s users,’ says Astrid Hamblok. ‘Ultimately, this collaborative process led to the choice of sit-stand workstations, which help optimise comfort, health and wellbeing in the workplace.’

‘That is one of Pami’s greatest strengths,’ stresses Marketing Manager Christophe van Hees. ‘We support interior designers and architects throughout the entire selection process, and we’re not afraid to challenge their thinking where necessary so that together we arrive at even better solutions, without compromising their design concept. Specialist applications or complex bespoke furniture are no obstacle at all, as we are used to producing projects like these entirely in our own factory.’

'Our aim is to add value and create the best possible working environment, ideally through a process of co-creation.'

Co-creation as a guiding principle

‘Another way we supported KRC Genk was by helping them visualise the overall concept,’ adds Astrid Hamblok. ‘This allowed them to see in advance how the sit-stand workstations, lounge areas and all the other spaces would relate to one another, and how they would contribute to an attractive interior that exudes the spirit of elite sport. KRC Genk is a household name in our region, so it’s particularly rewarding to know that we have played a part in bringing this high-profile project to life.’

‘As a Limburg-based company, supporting a top Limburg club in creating such a forward-looking training center is indeed something special,’ concludes Christophe van Hees. ‘At heart, we also share the same vision. Just as KRC Genk leaves nothing to chance and invests in the best possible environment for its players and staff, we create working environments where people can collaborate, perform and feel good. The fact that the building will be called the H. Essers Training Center is, of course, an added bonus. With Lode Essers as our Strategic Advisor, we are, in a sense, part of the same family. That makes the story all the more special.’