The new Rijkskantoor on Juliana van Stolberglaan, in the heart of The Hague, will be a 19-storey timber office tower. On Wednesday 25 February, the Rijksvastgoedbedrijf and BAM signed the contract for the design, construction and maintenance. Alongside timber, inclusion, future-proofing and natural ventilation are leading principles for the design, developed by cepezed and cepezedinterieur within BAM’s team.
integrated approach
Rijkskantoor Juliana van Stolberglaan will be an inviting, inclusive working environment, to be used among others by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) and DUO. In addition to BAM, cepezed and cepezedinterieur, partners including Arcadis, Sweco, Peutz, Binderholz, Valstar Simonis, Nest, De Omgevingspsycholoog and PhiFactory are involved. This safeguards an integrated approach to architecture, user experience, structure, building services and fire safety. We work closely together to maximise the use of biophilic design, generous daylight and natural materials.
maximum sustainability
With timber construction, natural ventilation and data-driven maintenance, BAM is aiming for maximum sustainability and comfort. A design with prefabricated elements and a construction site with smart logistics limit disruption in The Hague city centre. The structural frame and façades are based on prefabricated timber elements. A robust water management plan controls moisture and fire scenarios. Strategic logistics (including a hub in Moerdijk, electric transport and just-in-time deliveries) minimise nuisance for the surrounding area and increase predictability on site.
natural ventilation
Natural ventilation will be provided through an EWF system (Earth-Wind-Fire), coordinated integrally with the structure and building services. A focus group and a post-handover stabilisation phase safeguard comfort and energy performance. During design and construction, a digital twin will be developed and subsequently linked to both the building management system (BMS) and the (sustainable) multi-year maintenance plan ((S)MJOP). This enables predictable performance throughout the building’s life cycle and straightforward management.
high comfort & low environmental impact
According to BAM’s team, this building can become a benchmark for future central government offices: a pleasant, sustainable place that welcomes, connects and anchors. “With timber high-rise, natural ventilation and prefabrication, we show that top comfort and low environmental impact go hand in hand. By working in two phases and organising logistics intelligently, we build predictably and with consideration for the surroundings,” said Peter de Jong (Project Director, BAM Bouw en Techniek – Projecten) at the signing.
