Stilla: sustainable acoustic panels

Circular Office Environments: From Niche to Norm

In conversation with Kurt Florus, Business Unit Director at Nnof

Circularity is no longer optional in construction and renovation projects. Where reuse was once the hobbyhorse of a small group of believers twenty years ago, it has now become a strategic standard. For Nnof, a specialist in circular office transformations, this evolution comes as no surprise. The consultancy has been working according to circular principles for more than fourteen years, deliberately choosing partners who share the same vision.

One of these partners is Stilla. Sharing a commitment to reuse, local production, and social impact, Nnof and Stilla collaborate on forward-looking office environments where sustainability, quality, and aesthetics go hand in hand. In a conversation with Kurt Florus, we explore the evolution of circularity and its strategic value in practice.

Circularity: not just ecological…

The shift in mindset around circularity and reuse didn’t happen by accident. Raw materials are becoming scarcer, international supply chains are vulnerable, and companies are increasingly dependent on external markets. “What has been repeated endlessly about raw materials has now become reality,” says Florus. He refers not only to the scarcity of materials but also to the climate impact of their exploitation. “We will have to work with what we already have. This is no longer a future vision—it’s today’s reality.”

Working circularly provides a concrete response to these challenges. Nnof designs and constructs office environments by reusing or repurposing as much existing material as possible. This minimizes new purchases, reduces waste, and maintains control over supply reliability. “At every design, the first question should be: is it really necessary to buy something new?” Florus explains. This approach not only has a positive ecological impact but also creates independence from third parties. “Think of the time a ship blocked the Suez Canal. The whole world was waiting for its materials, while we could continue delivering as usual,” Florus notes. According to him, this demonstrates how robust and future-proof this model is.

…but also smart!

“People used to think we were crazy,” Florus laughs. In Nnof’s early years, people didn’t understand why the company reused materials. Back then, mainly believers became clients—players like Coca-Cola, KPMG, or Brussel Leefmilieu, who engaged mainly for their sustainability policies. Other companies were more cautious. “Some circular processes cost more money,” Florus explains. This often discourages producers from reuse. Unfairly, he says: “When you look at the total project, you always save money because you can avoid many purchases.”

That hesitation has now disappeared. Nnof, with countless projects and an impressive number of awards to its name, has often proven that circular office design can be affordable, high-quality, and aesthetically pleasing. “When we started, we weren’t always taken seriously,” Florus recalls. “Today it’s almost the opposite: those who want to buy everything new have to justify themselves.” Circularity has evolved from an idealistic choice to a widely embraced, increasingly expected standard—even in the workplace.

Finding like-minded partners: collaboration with Stilla

Because circularity today requires a holistic approach, Nnof deliberately sought partners who share their vision to pool expertise. This led to the collaboration with Stilla during networking events in 2024. Both companies eagerly learned from each other. “A company that has proven it is Belgian, employs people reintegrating into the workforce, and works circularly: that fits perfectly within our philosophy.”

Nnof now uses Stilla’s acoustic panels in major renovation projects, such as the office fit-outs for Callebaut and De Lijn. Nnof also offers the products in their webshop for second-hand furniture. “We’ve noticed that Stilla’s panels meet the quality standards we aim for,” says Florus. Stilla impressed Nnof’s interior architects with its high-quality, aesthetic, and circular products. “If the quality of your panels is good, it reinforces our credibility. A win-win,” Florus adds.

With circular and locally produced solutions, Stilla and Nnof demonstrate how sustainability, quality, and aesthetics can perfectly coexist.