Designing a future-oriented workplace for VR Bank Lahn-Dill

VR Bank Lahn-Dill is a regionally established cooperative bank driving the transition towards a modern, digital workplace. coneon supported both the concept development and delivery of a new work environment at the Herborn site.

Following an intensive refurbishment, a modern New Work environment was realised in Herborn, combining generous Work & Meet areas with complementary Relax & Connect spaces. Designed to support collaboration, communication, and focused work alike, the new workplace reflects the organisation’s transformation – from traditional structures to a more open, connected, and collaborative way of working, built on trust in its teams.

The planning focused on one key question: how should collaboration work in the future? The aim was to simplify processes, speed up coordination, and strengthen exchange between teams – reflected throughout the new work environment.

Flexible usage options allow for a variety of working styles – from focused individual work to spontaneous team interactions. The space adapts to the specific needs of employees and their tasks. Open areas are designed to encourage interaction and exchange, while clearly defined retreat zones provide space for concentration. Together, this balance forms the foundation for a workplace that is both efficient and user-centric.

A core idea behind the new workplace is to actively foster cross-functional collaboration. Shared spaces create natural touchpoints between teams, enabling exchange, new perspectives, and joint problem-solving.

Generous communication areas act as informal meeting hubs, complemented by structured zones for focused work. Together, they create an environment that seamlessly integrates collaboration into daily routines.

The new workspace is defined by a carefully developed, fresh colour palette of harmonised pastel tones – particularly soft orange and blue – derived from the existing corporate identity. A key aspect is the clear distinction from overly vibrant or playful design: the colours are intentionally balanced, resulting in a calm yet dynamic atmosphere. In combination with natural materials such as light oak finishes, the space conveys a modern, welcoming, and at the same time warm and organic feel.

Bespoke built-ins, including a custom storage niche and a slatted feature wall, add a refined and welcoming character. Combined with the colour and material concept, the result is a space that balances functionality with a calm, cohesive, and dynamic atmosphere.

A key highlight is the central break-out area “Relax & Connect”, which serves as a social hub within the workspace. Designed for informal exchange, shared meals, and everyday interaction, it creates a natural meeting point for employees. A generous seating niche featuring the statement “Come hungry, leave happy” invites people to pause and stay.

The colour concept of orange, blue, and green is continued here and structured through different flooring to define functional zones. An adjacent open meeting area further enables flexible working directly connected to the break-out space.

The workplace in Herborn shows that New Work starts with mindset, not design. The spaces enable self-directed work, build trust, and support open, connected collaboration – without replacing the human factor.

Real change is driven by the people who use and shape these environments. The concept provides the foundation for a work culture that can continuously evolve.

With the completion of the new workplace, VR Bank Lahn-Dill takes a significant step forward in the evolution of its work culture. The space actively supports this transformation, with the team’s openness to change playing a key role in the project’s success.

The result is a workplace that truly fits the organisation and its people – and shows how the future of work can be shaped together. Our sincere thanks to VR Bank Lahn-Dill for their trust and collaboration.