Nothing is an Amsterdam-based, independent entrepreneurial agency that delivers innovation and commercial creativity for local and international clients out of a cardboard box. Literally. The Nothing office, built entirely of cardboard, was designed by internationally recognized designers Joost van Bleiswijk and Alrik Koudenburg.

Alrik Koudenburg came up with the idea to use cardboard to do the complete interior. Presenting a total concept to his client that had the guts and the trust to take it on. It made out of a variety of volumes, that houses the all the activities of the agency. It has a boardroom, a grand elevated office and a library workarea. And…it’s freestanding – one could completely walk around, over it and work inside of it.

Michael Jansen (founder Nothing) says:
“Nothing is about the power of ideas, about how a single idea can transform nothing into something. Using a cheap throw-away material to build a unique and memorable work space, seemed a good way to materialize this thought.”

Teaming up with his designer friend Joost van Bleiswijk was a winning combination. Joost designed all the details, using the ‘No Screw, No Glue’ method, that made Joost known through out the design world. And by doing so Joost added a grandeur that suits this award winning company.

Alrik Koudenburg and Joost van Bleiswijk created a variety of spaces: a coffee corner, boardroom, brainstorm area with meeting table and book cabinet, desks, elevated work space and a storage room – in a 100 aquare meter office. The result is a peaceful décor that inspires and provides a homelike atmosphere.

Joost van Bleiswijk says:
“I wanted to create a timeless space, monumental with my monumental and ornamental design style, using recognizable classic lines and styles.”

The use of the ‘No Screw, No Glue’ technique on this scale was never explored before and the strong lines, allowed Joost to apply details, volumes and furniture. Using over 500m2 of the most ‘Nothing-building material’ we could find – reinforced cardboard. It was CNC cut and left the team with 1500 element that they slot together without the need of screws nor glue,…