Circular and energy-neutral
Omega office building,
design: EVA architecten
Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht, a small municipality in the Netherlands, is home to the new Omega office building, designed by Utrecht-based EVA architecten. The structure, made of wood, is an example of circular architecture, characterized by self-sufficiency and carbon neutrality.
The circular and energy-neutral Omega office building in Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht, the Netherlands.
Photo: Sebastian van Damme © EVA architecten
elevated building
and green space on the roof
The building is located within the newly developed Ambachtsezoom business park. The two-story structure has been raised above ground level. Thanks to this solution, the space under the building was developed into a parking lot, and a garden was created on the roof. Access to the main entrance is provided by a staircase.
The circular and energy-neutral Omega office building in Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht, the Netherlands - projection.
© EVA architecten
combination of wood and concrete
The building's main structure is based on wooden columns, beams and ceilings made of cross-laminated timber, while structural stability is provided by concrete elements. All elevations are designed to be glazed, and rounded corners introduce an organic character to the building form.
The circular and energy-neutral Omega office building in Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht, the Netherlands - the building's floors have been separated by wide strips that encircle its perimeter
Photo: Sebastian van Damme © EVA architecten
protection from the sun
and support for biodiversity
The building's floors have been separated by wide strips that encircle its perimeter. The depth of these strips varies depending on the orientation of the building, acting as protection from excessive sunlight and reducing energy demand during the summer. The upper part of the strips has been sown with a specially selected mix of herbs that attract bees, butterflies and other insects.
The circular and energy-neutral Omega office building in Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht, the Netherlands - the building's main structure is based on wooden columns, beams and ceilings made of cross-laminated timber
photo by Sebastian van Damme © EVA architecten
design conducive to interaction and presentations
The interior is distinguished by the use of wooden elements that lend visual coherence and promote acoustics, which is conducive to the various activities taking place in this zone. The central part of the building was designed with versatile functionality in mind. It features a podium and an amphitheater-like staircase, creating a space suitable for both consultation and presentations.
The circular and energy-neutral Omega office building in Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht, the Netherlands - the interior is distinguished by the use of wooden elements
Photo: Sebastian van Damme © EVA architecten
Sustainable design:
energy production and carbon storage
The building has a positive energy balance, meaning that it produces more energy than it consumes for its operational needs, including the demand generated by its occupants. What's more, by using wood as a construction and finishing material, the building acts as a carbon store and contributes to reducing CO₂ emissions over the building's life cycle.
The circular and energy-neutral Omega office building in Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht, the Netherlands.
Photo: Sebastian van Damme © EVA architecten
office building with easy dismantling
The building was designed to be almost entirely demountable, except for the underground parking floor. Elements of the load-bearing structure, exterior shell, installations and all materials used can be separated, making them easy to replace or reuse.
The circular and energy-neutral Omega office building in Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht, the Netherlands.
Photo: Sebastian van Damme © EVA architecten
recycling-friendly design
To ensure recyclability and reusability, all materials were detailed in a so-called material passport, which documents their composition and properties. Plastics such as PVC, adhesives and sealants that hinder disassembly and recycling processes were avoided in the design. This approach fits in with the tenets of a closed-loop economy, minimizing waste and supporting sustainable construction practices.
The Omega building was designed in accordance with the principles of sustainable development, providing an example of a modern office building that fully realizes the principles of circular economy and energy neutrality. The building's design and operation are based on minimizing environmental impact through efficient use of resources and waste reduction.
Compiled by Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of EVA architecten studio.
