Alliander HQ
The new head office for the energy grid company Alliander in Duiven (The Netherlands) was recently inaugurated. RAU architects are responsible for the renovation of the existing buildings and the extension, which will house 1550 workers. This is the first renovation project in The Netherlands to obtain the BREEAM-NL outstanding sustainability certificate.Interconnectivity was the main principle for the design and applies for all its parts and works on all levels. The existing buildings, which were composed of different blocks, are respected and integrated into the new design: up to 83% of the existing constructions remain. A large atrium covered by an iconic roof connects the six different volumes visually, programmatically as well as logistically, and creates an ?in between? space where employees and visitors can meet. Large skylights are placed on the curved roof in order to increase the amount of daylight in the atrium and the façade is fully built of glass, creating a strong link with the landscape, contributing to a healthy and inspiring workspace.The facades of the existing buildings are maintained, including the windows, and a ?skin? is attached to them, improving the insulation value, avoiding heat losses and reducing the energy demand. On the sides, which are oriented towards the atrium, larger windows, which can be opened, are placed, creating a close visual relation with the atrium and allowing natural ventilation. Efficiency and effectiveness are g...