Designed by Broekbakema + De Unie Architecten, The Energy Academy Europe (EAE) is the most sustainable education building of The Netherlands. The natural elements of earth, water, air, and sunlight are used innovatively in a solar chimney, winter garden, atrium and air labyrinth. This results in both a BREEAM Outstanding score and an energy-positive structure that will completely offset its carbon footprint within 40 years.
Photography: Ronald Zijlstra
Located at the Zernike Campus in Groningen in the north of The Netherlands, the EAE is an institute where industry, education, and research join in order to innovate in the field of energy. Appropriately their accommodation itself is designed as a topnotch example of innovation and sustainability. The Energy Academy has been selected as the winner of the International BREEAM Awards 2017 in the category Mixed Use & Other. Photography: Ronald Zijlstra
A large central atrium connects the two programmatic halves of the structure that includes education and laboratories on one side and offices and laboratories on the other. The split level floors share common decks where people can meet and overlook the atrium, turning it into the heart of the building bringing together researchers, office workers, laboratory personnel, and students.
Functions Section
Sustainability formed the base of the design from the first moment onward, based on the Broekbakema philosophy “inspired by nature, powered by people”. A lo...