A Robust & Sustainable Ensemble

De Zwarte Hond designs an office building and training facilities with an all-timber construction to create a circular, climate-adaptive, and nature-inclusive environment with high flexibility, scalability, and modularity.


The new regional offices, designed on the Noordzeeweg, in Amsterdam Westport, are circular and flexible, with a timber construction. The ensemble consists of an office building, workshops, warehouses, test facilities, educational, and parking buildings (total of 21,000m²) for 700 employees.


Sustainable materials such as wood were used as much as possible, and harmful substances like glue, PU foam or sealant were kept to a minimum. Thanks to its detachable structural set-up, the parking building can grow or shrink. The facades are made of weather-resistant Corten steel, rendering the regional office resilient for the future.

The buildings and interspaces are positioned with rhythmic alternations on the plot, with the office building as a height accent. Work buildings and storage areas have been designed with the same care as the office building.


Inside the office building, a large atrium and wooden central staircases create an environment that encourages meetings and interactions. A unique ‘wandering staircase’ connects each floor in a different place, providing an exciting and adventurous route through the office.

The building is an example of sustainability: It is gas-free and energy-neutral with 3.435m² of solar panels and thermal energy storage. Since the construction is made of timber, 560 tonnes of CO² have been stored. Additionally, much attention was paid to cost reduction and the reuse of materials, contributing to a circular economy. Rich planting around and on the buildings (30% of the facade is green) provides a habitat for insects, birds, amphibians, and small mammals. Rainwater is stored locally on-site and is used for watering plants.

Photo credit: Scagliola Brakkee, Jacques Tillma
Source: V2com