UNSTUDIO

UNStudio’s design for the refurbishment of Fellenoord 15, which was commissioned by Edge, holistically ensures a healthy and flexible work concept a sustainable building. As a regeneration project, it fully transforms the former Rabobank headquarters into a contemporary, tech-enabled, 32,000 m2 government office building. Fellenoord 15 is equipped with a very dense network of sensors and advanced applications that will significantly improve its post-occupancy building management.

In this transformation project, UNStudio maintained the structure of the existing Fellenoord 15 building, while also employing sustainable techniques to demolish the former facade. The result is a new, flexible office building that is designed to adapt to the current – and future – needs of employees.

In recent years, the negative environmental impact of the construction industry has significantly changed how we view the demolition of existing buildings in favour of new builds. Renovating or redeveloping existing building stock and extending the life span of our buildings is now favoured as a more sustainable solution, while also ensuring the retention of inherent historical or local significance.

In the case of Fellenoord 15, the existing building previously stood as a difficult-to-access bastion within the city and could no longer accommodate a changing and expanding workforce; the interior was disconnected and fragmented, with the result that colleagues had to work in isolation from one another.

However, Fellenoord 15 had a robust shell, which meant that the structure could be retained, rather than demolished. This decision aimed to save about 40% of the CO2 footprint compared to a new build. Sustainable techniques were also employed in the demolition of the former facade, setting the foundation for a truly sustainable development.

With the help of Edge, UNStudio’s design also leverages data and insights through the use of sensors to help to reduce energy consumption, lower costs, optimise energy usage, and improve employee wellbeing.

source: Office Web