A future-proof building for Inholland
The task
Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Amsterdam had the ambition to create an almost energy-neutral (BENG) educational building, in line with the future green residential and working district De Sluisbuurt. The new building was supposed to provide a central location for various courses, including Health, Sports & Welfare, Technology, Creative Business and more. Key goals were an open, connected and sustainable learning environment, with space for collaboration and encounters.
“Flexible zones encourage collaboration and focus.”
About this project
Architectural design and routing
The building, designed by Cepezed, is based on a U-shaped concept with a spacious atrium and an organizing central route. This route connects all floors and functions, starting at the entrance and ending at the roof garden on the third floor. The route is also connected to a city balcony that overlooks Amsterdam. This design offers logical orientation, clear organization and strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Human scale interior
ZENBER Architects designed the interior to perfectly match the architectural concept. Colourful accents, functional boxes, chandeliers and frames give the interior a human scale and clear structure. These elements not only improve functionality, but also make the large spaces inviting and recognisable.
1. Color accents: Warm colors (ochre and terra) are used in living spaces, while cool colors (olive and azure) define the study landscapes. These color zones provide orientation and enhance the functionality of the spaces.
2. Functional boxes: Three striking boxes (Foodbox, Expobox and Gamebox) add a playful and recognisable element to the atrium. They offer clear function zones and support navigation through the building.
3. Chandeliers: Large chandeliers, made from recycled petfelt, act as acoustic and visual eye-catchers. They bring atmosphere to the high spaces and enhance the human scale.
4. Frames and foils: In the study landscapes, colorful foils with Amsterdam patterns and frames provide defined study zones. These frames offer views, brainstorming opportunities and a pleasant atmosphere.
“Chandeliers combine scale, atmosphere and acoustics.”
Highlights
Sustainability
The building is almost energy neutral (BENG) and uses recycled and sustainable materials, such as petfelt and Cradle-to-Cradle furniture.
Flexibility and functionality
Colourful accents, boxes and frames create a functional, dynamic learning environment with clear orientation.
Green and health
Strategically placed green elements strengthen the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces and contribute to a healthy learning environment.
Re-use
95% of the existing furniture has been reused, which is in line with Inholland's circular vision.
Iconic chandeliers
Recycled chandeliers add visual and acoustic quality to the high spaces.
Credits
A future-proof building for Inholland
The task
Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Amsterdam had the ambition to create an almost energy-neutral (BENG) educational building, in line with the future green residential and working district De Sluisbuurt. The new building was supposed to provide a central location for various courses, including Health, Sports & Welfare, Technology, Creative Business and more. Key goals were an open, connected and sustainable learning environment, with space for collaboration and encounters.
About this projct
Architectural design and routing
The building, designed by Cepezed, is based on a U-shaped concept with a spacious atrium and an organizing central route. This route connects all floors and functions, starting at the entrance and ending at the roof garden on the third floor. The route is also connected to a city balcony that overlooks Amsterdam. This design offers logical orientation, clear organization and strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Human scale interior
ZENBER Architects designed the interior to perfectly match the architectural concept. Colourful accents, functional boxes, chandeliers and frames give the interior a human scale and clear structure. These elements not only improve functionality, but also make the large spaces inviting and recognisable.
1. Color accents: Warm colors (ochre and terra) are used in living spaces, while cool colors (olive and azure) define the study landscapes. These color zones provide orientation and enhance the functionality of the spaces.
2. Functional boxes: Three striking boxes (Foodbox, Expobox and Gamebox) add a playful and recognisable element to the atrium. They offer clear function zones and support navigation through the building.
3. Chandeliers: Large chandeliers, made from recycled petfelt, act as acoustic and visual eye-catchers. They bring atmosphere to the high spaces and enhance the human scale.
4. Frames and foils: In the study landscapes, colorful foils with Amsterdam patterns and frames provide defined study zones. These frames offer views, brainstorming opportunities and a pleasant atmosphere.
“Flexible zones encourage collaboration and focus.”
Green as a connecting element
Green elements, such as plants and moss walls, are strategically placed in the building. This greening guides the central route and connects interior spaces with the outside world. The green contributes to a healthy and inspiring learning environment.
Reuse of furniture
During the design, 95% of the existing furniture was reused, carefully sorted by color and supplemented with new furniture where necessary. This sustainable reuse contributes to Inholland's circular ambitions and creates a harmonious interior.
“Chandeliers combine scale, atmosphere and acoustics.”
Highlights
Sustainability
The building is almost energy neutral (BENG) and uses recycled and sustainable materials, such as petfelt and Cradle-to-Cradle furniture.
Flexibility and functionality
Colourful accents, boxes and frames create a functional, dynamic learning environment with clear orientation.
Green and health
Strategically placed green elements strengthen the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces and contribute to a healthy learning environment.
Re-use
95% of the existing furniture has been reused, which is in line with Inholland's circular vision.
Iconic chandeliers
Recycled chandeliers add visual and acoustic quality to the high spaces.