DJI Registration Centre Ter Apel

Greenery for structure and visual calm

The Registration Centre of the Custodial Institutions Agency (Dienst Justitiële Inrichtingen, DJI) in Ter Apel serves as the central hub for initial reception and processing. Daily operations bring together multiple agencies and staff operating under strict protocols amid a continuous flow of people. The building was recently refurbished and fitted with a completely refreshed interior layout to better accommodate this intensive operational use. The redesign demanded clear delineation between circulation routes, service desks, and waiting zones. Our brief was to complement this setup with a functional planting scheme providing visual calm and distinct zoning between the building's various functional areas.

Atmosphere within a functional setting

In an environment of this nature, clarity, structured circulation, and day-to-day operational practicality take priority. The primary challenge was introducing visual softness and ambiance without impeding daily operations. The baseline was established by the architectural brief, with mood boards and floor plans guiding the selection of species and planter materials.

From design to delivery

We delivered the project in structured phases. Guided by the architect's specifications, we curated suitable planters, specimen foliage, and preserved moss features. Together with the project manager, we reviewed the concept on-site to calibrate dimensions and traffic routes to exact site tolerances.

For the main atrium and primary staircase, we installed a configuration of circular preserved moss discs featuring mixed moss textures across the double-height walls. In the staff restaurant, an expansive, flush moss wall provides immediate visual calm while supporting acoustic dampening within the open-plan dining space. Across active work areas and meeting points, crisp white Prestige planters create clear room divisions, complemented by standalone planters on slender raised frames.

The result

The updated registration centre presents a clear, organised, and contemporary finish. The combination of interior planting and low-maintenance preserved moss walls creates design continuity throughout the facility. The greenery subtly reinforces visitor routing and delivers a clean, professional aesthetic engineered for heavy operational use.