The design for ‘A Sustainable Office Building’ was developed on invitation and within the framework of a study, initiated by the chief government architect of the Netherlands.
EEA proposes a sustainable office building located in the Ravel area of Zuidas, Amsterdam. As a hypothetical project, the primary focus of the brief was on sustainable issues. However, in its urban context, the proposal considers as well the densification of the city, the compactness and durability of buildings, and the function as mixed use building alongside with aesthetic and spatial qualities. Moreover it addresses the demand for an integrated climatic concept and durable installation principles.
The building concept includes a plinth intended for mixed use development over the first 3 floors. Two triangles are positioned on the site to illustrate the designed interchangeability in program from office to housing. The western block is developed as an office building and is the highest volume stepping down to the eastern block, developed as apartment building. This creates a strong entry addressing the business district towards the Mahler 4 area.
The atrium of the office building is used to naturally exhaust air that is supplied to the offices from the buildings perimeter. This cross ventilation is supported by mechanical exhaust to exercise greater control over airflow and temperature. Dynamic and static sun shading is integrated into the façade, whilst air intake is either preheated or cooled with concrete core cooling. Clad in white natural stone and ceramic, the façade utilizes materials with thermal heat storage properties. Steel encased in concrete is used to construct the columns and cores. These columns are integrated into the facade as ‘cold’ structures with the thermal break positioned on the inside of the column.
Towards the aspects of renewable energy and installations two approaches were chosen: Firstly to create the possibility for ‘easier’ future upgrade or refurbishment. Secondly, to incorporate renewable energy sources where they can perform most efficiently. For instance, maximum solar gain and wind exposure to be gained from the highest roof location, which determines the best location for photovoltaic cells and wind turbines. The eastern block concentrates residential program towards the park and employs a green roof inclined towards the south for water collection and storm water run-off. This benefits in increasing green areas and will ease access for maintenance.
design 2008
