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Unique design will house civic workers in Netherlands municipality
A design resembling a figure from the popular computer game Space Invaders has won an invited competition for Venlo’s new municipal office. The design by Hans Goverde of Kraaijvanger • Urbis was selected as the winner for the office which will be situated on the eastern banks of the River Maas.
The project's green stencilised facade with varying transparent panels provides the entertaining comparison. Comprised 15,000 sq m of office space and an underground car park for 450 cars, the building will also act as a beacon for sustainable design, having to be developed under stringent sustainability requirements set by the municipality. The most visible of sustainable design elements are two greenhouses situated on the building's top lateral edges which, together with the office space and underground car park will collect heat for attached housing.
Further sustainability measures presently include an air purification system aided by the River Maas, rainwater collection and use, and the predominance of sustainable wood in the construction.
The office will be part of Venlo’s planned Maaswaard district which will provide further housing, retail and office space to the municipality. The uniquely designed municipal office will now become a landmark in the space and following detailed design development, is scheduled to complete construction in 2013.
The team: Hans Goverde, Vincent van der Meulen, Christian Müller Architects, Annemiek Bleumink, Hiroko Kawakami, Simone Pinkse, Daniela Schelle, Deerns, ABT, Search BV, Océ, Ahrend, Van Gansewinke and Holz 100.
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