Embodied carbon

Efficient

The Valtech project builds on the sustainable foundation of the Houtwerk 2 building and aligns with its low-impact philosophy.

 

Hal2 repurposed and refurbished a substantial portion of existing furniture and materials in collaboration with local Dutch furniture company DMI Meubelen. 

 

The studio’s material choices are informed by life cycle assessments, recyclability, and modularity. New materials were used sparingly, and when necessary, circular and low-impact products were selected.

 

Material choices

 

Acoustic cubes from DeBlick (refurbished)
Acoustic work pods from the previous office were reused and reupholstered. DeBlick designs for disassembly, using FSC-certified wood and recyclable fabrics. Modular construction allows for easy relocation and reuse, in line with circular building principles.

 

Acoustic partitions in from Camira in "Blazer"
Existing desks and chairs were retained and acoustic partitions were added. These partitions are upholstered in Camira's Blazer wool felt fabric, a sustainable wool fabric sourced from farms that prioritise environmental responsibility. Camira employs eco-friendly dyeing methods and ensures traceability and circularity throughout their production chain.

 

Curtains from residual fabric stocks
Some of the curtain fabrics were sourced from leftover stock at the manufacturer, which avoids textile waste and gives new life to quality materials that would otherwise remain unused.

 

DESSO Linon collection carpet tiles from Tarkett

Designed for reuse and recycling, this Cradle to Cradle® Silver level certified collection incorporates recycled content in both the yarn and backing. At the end of the product’s life cycle, Tarkett takes back the tiles through its ReStart® programme, processing them into new products.

 

New furniture from Vepa (plus showroom models)
Where new items were required, Hal2 selected products from Vepa, a Dutch manufacturer dedicated to circular production and in-house recycling of steel and wood. The studio also sourced additional furniture from showroom models, eliminating the need for new manufacturing.

 

Paint from Caparol
Caparol offers high-performance, low-emission paints. For this project, Hal2 chose a paint that complies with the E.L.F. standard. Solvent-free and formaldehyde-free, this ensures a healthy indoor environment for users.

 

Upcycled materials from Valtech’s previous office
The design cleverly repurposed old sheet materials to create new stool and bench surrounds, demonstrating practical upcycling within the design.

 

Worktops and custom furniture from Unilin Evola
Made from 100 percent recovered wood and FSC-certified, Unilin Evola boards contribute to responsible forest management and the circular use of resources. Durable and low-maintenance, they are ideal for long-term interiors.

 

Writing boards made using Green Cast acrylic, sourced from Pyrasied
Green Cast is a fully recycled and recyclable acrylic made from post-consumer and industrial waste. It offers the same performance as new acrylic but with a significantly lower environmental impact.

Operational Emissions / Energy

Efficient

Key low-carbon strategies include:

  • Collaboration with local partners to reduce transport emissions and stimulate the regional economy. 
  • Implementation of acoustic and thermal solutions that enhance user comfort without relying on energy-intensive systems.

Although the fit-out itself does not include energy-generating systems (as these are managed at the building level), the design aligns with Valtech’s ambition to reduce its carbon footprint throughout its operations.

Houtwerk 2 is constructed using bio-based materials and is part of a highly efficient development that benefits from district energy systems, reducing its overall environmental footprint.

Hal2’s circular work environment for Valtech maximises the value of what is already in place and reduces future material demands. The choices result in a workspace that is not only functional and visually refined, but also aligns with the long-term sustainable vision of both Valtech and Hal2.

Afterlife

The fit-out is modular and largely demountable:

  • Furniture and custom elements were either reused, refurbished, or designed to be taken apart and reused elsewhere.
  • Acoustic pods, freestanding units, and partitions can all be relocated or adapted in the future.
  • This flexibility ensures that the interior can evolve alongside the organisation’s needs.
  • The design extends the lifespan of the interior and reduces future waste.

Key products in low carbon design

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