international headquarters fugro

Lucas van der Wee

demountable & flexible

Fugro is a geo-data specialist that collects and analyses extensive information. The robust new international headquarters is planned adjacent to the existing Fugro TechCenter in Nootdorp. It is an extremely sustainable building: flexible and biophilic, with an inviting, climate-resilient garden and its own water system. The new building links the older Fugro TechCenter, via the garden, to the new parking garage located in the corner of the site. The headquarters comprises three floors of office and meeting spaces. The ground floor accommodates the reception area, a laboratory and a restaurant.

Fugro isometrisch kit of parts AXO explode Final 2

Lucas van der Wee

Cepezed

strip landscape

The garden design is based on the characteristic strip landscape of the Groene Hart. Planting schemes are derived from local flora. Wadis collect rainwater which, together with water from the roofs, is channelled to a shell-based substrate beneath the parking garage, where it is filtered. Fugro hydrologists designed this sustainable rainwater-harvesting system. Paths in the garden are paved, gravelled or consist of decking, alternating with stepping stones in wetter zones. There is a pond (which functions as a water buffer), play elements such as a pétanque court, and a small garden pavilion for meetings.

biophilic

The design of the outdoor spaces places strong emphasis on the transition between inside and outside, and on outward views. The new headquarters is rich in daylight, with extensive glazing in both façades and roof. The shorter axis is largely finished with wooden elements and offers places for formal meetings and informal encounters. Besides daylight and views of the garden and roof gardens, indoor planting forms a key design component. The long axis features natural stone paving internally, while chic brushed concrete is used outside. A skybridge spans the central crossing of both axes, forming the heart of the building.

Lucas van der Wee

Lucas van der Wee

Lucas van der Wee

Lucas van der Wee

corten steel

The headquarters features a façade composed of vertical bands of corten steel alternating with glass. The parking garage façade is made of softwood slats, providing daylight access and natural ventilation. The timber colour corresponds with the corten steel of the main building and with the orange terracotta façade of the Fugro TechCenter. A loading bay is situated at the rear of the headquarters; all other motorised traffic is directed straight to the parking garage.