Gideon Maasland

By archceecom / May 28, 2024

Director and architect Gideon Maasland joined MVRDV in 2016. Maasland leads MVRDV’s Studio 8, which is responsible for large-scale, complex buildings. Renowned for his
detailed and dedicated approach, which is due to his diverse educational and professional background that not only includes extensive architectural practice, but also carpentry and construction methodology, Maasland’s work is hands-on. This proved invaluable
to the success of his studio in the design and construction of multiple complex, large-scale projects, including Valley, a 75,000 square meter mixed-use building in Amsterdam, and most recently Tripolis Park, the renovation and enlargement of a listed office
building in Amsterdam.

Balsan

BALSAN BRAND HISTORY

For more than three centuries, Balsan has been a key player in textile design. Originating from a Manufacture Royale, then bought by Pierre Balsan in 1857, the French company maintains entrepreneurship and desire to innovate. His audacity led Louis Balsan to import the tuft technique in France, a technique that is still widely used today by manufacturers of textile floorings. In 2006, due to its rapid expansion, Balsan joined the Belgian Belgotex International group.

Proud of its Berry origins, Balsan has two industrial sites located in the heart of a prestige natural environment near Châteauroux, which is perfectly preserved. Forerunner of sustainable development, the company multiplies its actions to preserve its natural environment: zero landfill waste, partnership with the ONF, use of Econyl® yarn, activated sludge water plant, waste recovery.

With a surface area of 45,000 sqm, the Arthon manufacturing site is dedicated to the manufacture of wide width carpets, while the Neuvy-Saint-Sépulcre site specializes in the manufacture of planks and carpet tiles. This 100% Made in France manufacturing creates colorful carpets with a strong creative potential, for Office, Hotel and Home.

Balsan offers its know-how in France and worldwide. The company relies on the skills of its 250 employees and generates an annual turnover of nearly 70 million euros, 45% of which comes from exports.

Balsan’s philosophy is to think of the floor as a true means of expression on its own. Balsan exploits the creative potential of carpet through colors: the true DNA of the company.

The company is also committed to supporting young artists by setting up partnerships with French and International Design Schools (Dare Your Dreams®) or by organizing exhibitions for young designers (Marta Bakowski and Laureline Galliot).

B / iconic pieces

Our iconic collections: French Couture, Mix-Up and Macro-Micro (Peak to Marble)

French Couture: https://www.balsan.com/content/collection-french-couture

Inspired by Haute Couture, Balsan offers a new collection of exceptional coating, dedicated to the world hospitality and office. The most noble materials and the most sophisticated techniques are composed of these precious textile coatings. The tones harmonize with the walls, the reliefs create hand-stiched effects for a resolutely Couture collection spirit.

Mix Up: https://www.balsan.com/content/collection-mix-planks

Balsan is unveiling its own Mix and Match trend :“Mix-Up”, a new collection of modular carpets, serving creativity and personalization.

Mix impressions, effets, colors invent patterns. Create a graphic effect, an explosive shock or more serenely, enhance

the shades. The goal is to express the unique personality of the place, to embody

the client’s company’s image. An artistic exercise that transcends any creator!

26 references available, modular, planks, or both mixed together.

Peak to Marble: https://www.balsan.com/content/collection-peak-marble-macro-micro-0

The Macro Micro concept is an inspiring style exercise that plays on three perspectives: Scope (top of the mountains), Vision (facing the purity of the marble) and Zoom (the heart of the material). Balsan is once again developing its Macro Micro concept by taking inspiration from the mineral world with its new Peak to Marble collection.

Available in six mineral colors, with touches of vivid and subtle colors, Peak to Marble is complementary with the Pilote² tile collection. This collection opens the field of possibilities by playing on structures and design.