Last year, the Tax Administration moved into the former Rabobank headquarters in Eindhoven. Designed by UNStudio, the building on the Fellenoord was given a new look, redesigned and made more sustainable. Among other things, the use of technology ensures the sustainability of the building during the usage phase.
In the renovation of the 32,000-square-meter complex, UNStudio reports, as little was demolished as possible. The only part that had to give way was the old facade; it was replaced with a new, contemporary version.
The starting point was to design an inviting and airy facade that gives the impression that some parts of the building seem to float. The facade was realized of glass and multiple layers of expanded metal, in which a subtle moiré pattern was applied.
Inside, an open office environment has been created, providing users with as much space, sight lines and daylight as possible. The previously separate departments are now connected, allowing the flexible workspaces to flow into one another. The old courtyard has been transformed into an atrium that is also the building's central meeting place.
Diverse activities
The new workspaces are designed to accommodate a variety of activities. By means of location sensors and an intelligent data infrastructure, insight is gained into the behavior of the users so that energy consumption can be reduced and the spaces can be used as efficiently as possible.
The building meets the sustainability level BREEAM Excellent. In addition to the use of technology for efficient energy management, geothermal heat is used for cooling and heating the rooms and climate ceilings and solar panels have been applied. For the well-being of the users, a lot of greenery is present in, on and around the building. In combination with insect hotels, bat houses and bird nests, the planting also contributes to biodiversity.
