Sustainable administration building
with character
Provinciehuis Zuid-HollandThe Province of Zuid-Holland administrative building boasts a spectacular renovation designed with the future in mind. Custom-fitted furniture, circular materials and smart choices create a stunning working environment that will last for years.
Balance between
wishes and reality
Sustainability was the initial priority, but the project’s protracted timeline led to requirements changing. The impact of the pandemic highlighted the importance of a healthy workplace and circular, bio-based materials. But how could we add these features to an already established design? And how could we do so in a practical, cost-effective way?
We worked with the province and our project partners to research the best materials. We analyzed the environmental impact of various options using the Life Cycle Assessment methodology. This inspired us to choose local elm wood to reduce our carbon footprint and transportation costs. We also designed the furniture so that the materials can easily be disassembled and recycled. This saves a large amount of raw materials—five times more than traditional construction techniques.
Sustainability
is measurable
The LCA method measures the environmental impact in euros. For example, for every unit of furniture, we saved €2,110.50, the equivalent of thirteen return flights from Amsterdam to New York. The energy saved is enough to light 126 homes for an entire year. And, when it comes to water, we saved enough for nine households to shower for a year. These results are on display in the building so everyone can see the impact.
Circular materials
with a story
The choice of materials makes all the difference. In the coffee corners, used coffee grounds are upcycled into bio-based wall treatments. The tables feature fruit leather crafted from left-over mangoes from Rotterdam. Acoustic panels create a quiet working environment. And the benches? They’re upholstered in a fabric made of 45 percent recycled wool. Users can scan QR codes to discover where the materials come from. Sustainability thus becomes something real and relatable.
