Sustainability Report
Certificates
Embodied carbon
Jonas has been awarded the highest possible BREEAM Outstanding certification, making it only the second residential building in the Netherlands to achieve this distinction. It has been certified in design, post-construction, and "In Use." The project also won two BREEAM awards in 2020: for 'Homes Projects' and the 'Regional Award - Western Europe.'
Embodied Carbon: The design of Jonas placed a strong emphasis on reducing the embodied carbon of its materials. The main structure is made of eco-concrete, which uses environmentally friendly cement and recycled concrete granulate, reducing the embodied emissions of the concrete components by thirty to forty percent compared to conventional mixes. The concrete is also locally sourced and CSC-GOLD certified. The facade is clad in pre-patinated zinc, a durable and fully recyclable material. Additionally, FSC-certified timber was used for interior finishes and exterior elements, and parametric design techniques were employed to minimize material use in complex components.
Operational Emissions / Energy
Jonas is a zero-energy building that functions as an energy-neutral home. Its energy is supplied by 850 rooftop solar panels and an innovative system called Thermal Energy from Surface Water (TEO), which uses the nearby lake to provide both heating and cooling. This low-temperature system connects to the public heating grid. Passive measures such as sunshading and a water layer on the glass roof also contribute to natural cooling, minimizing energy demand
Service and maintenance emissions
The project's focus on durable, high-quality materials like zinc and FSC-certified timber implies a design built for longevity, which inherently reduces the need for major maintenance and replacements. The adaptability of the spaces and the focus on a cohesive community also contribute to the building's long-term social and economic viability, reducing the likelihood of costly future retrofits or demolition.
Afterlife
The project's design was strongly influenced by the principle of adaptive reuse. The building's structure, which was inspired by shipbuilding with its rib-like trusses, allows for large, adaptable internal openings. This design ensures that the building's core can be reconfigured for a variety of future uses, going beyond its current function as a residential and mixed-use facility. The collective spaces, such as the living room, rooftop beach, and forest patio, were intentionally designed as flexible environments to accommodate different programs and activities over time.
Circular economy principles were a key consideration. The project achieved a 97% recycling rate for construction waste. The primary materials chosen, such as zinc, FSC-certified timber, and eco-concrete, were selected for their high recyclability and long-term value. While the building is not explicitly designed for full disassembly, the emphasis on materials that can be easily reclaimed and re-entered into the circular economy is a cornerstone of the design.
Key products in low carbon design
