Sustainability Report
Embodied carbon
The project demonstrates a strong focus on reducing embodied carbon through:
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Bio-based Materials: The building is primarily constructed from an array of bio-based materials that contribute to its sustainability and eco-friendliness. The structural framework features a combination of wooden construction techniques, including parts made from Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and traditional timber framing. Additionally, the building features bio-based insulation, as well as interior and exterior cladding and furniture made from renewable resources.
The columns are constructed from shaved tree logs, providing both strength and a natural aesthetic. The floors utilize wooden hollow-core slabs supplied by Lignatur, while the inner walls are made from unbaked loam brick, enhancing thermal mass, thanks to the expertise of ClayTec. Acoustic considerations are addressed with the incorporation of cork panels, and the indoor and outdoor facades are adorned with natural green walls that further improve air quality.
Exterior cladding includes Nobelwood from Foreco, complemented by Multitherm and Thermoflex wood fibre insulation, both supplied by Gutex. The interior spaces are finished with clay plaster from Tierrafino, adding to the natural feel of the environment. Wall elements made from Cross-Laminated Timber by Skonto reinforce the structure, while the flooring features Marmoleum from Forbo, renowned for its durability and eco-friendliness.
To support the overall design, custom-built Glued Laminated Timber beams from Heko Spanten enhance the building's aesthetic and functional attributes, and acoustic performance is improved with coconut fibre insulation mats provided by Nevidek. Finally, the entire structure is framed with a custom-built pine timber framework, integrating sustainable practices throughout its design and construction.
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Carbon Storage: A total of 875 cubic meters of bio-based materials were used, which will store approximately 346 tons of carbon for the building’s lifespan, equating to 175 kg CO2eq/m2. The majority of this carbon is sequestered in the structural timber.
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Prefabrication: Prefabricated elements made from primarily bio-based materials were used, allowing for efficient, eco-conscious construction on-site.
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Material Passport: An extensive catalogue of materials used has been registered in the building’s material passport, indicating a detailed tracking of material origins and properties.
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Low-Tech Solutions: The design is aligned with construction methods and materials selected, ensuring every decision contributes to sustainability and functionality, capitalizing on the natural strengths of chosen materials for structural grids, acoustics, and fire safety.
Operational Emissions / Energy
The operational emissions for the De Verwondering elementary school are approximately 30 tons of CO₂ emissions per year. The project employs a range of strategies to minimize operational emissions and energy consumption:
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A+++ Energy Label: The building has achieved an A+++ energy label, corresponding to a fossil energy consumption of 73.5 kWh per square meter per year.
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Renewable Energy Generation: The building generates 55.4% of its energy demand from renewable sources, primarily through on-site solar panels and an ice buffer system that supports the heat pumps.
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Passive Design: The strategic orientation of building clusters and the layout of schoolyards play a crucial role in creating a first line of defense against direct sunlight, effectively preventing overheating. To enhance this protection, sun-exposed façades are designed with passive sun shading systems, such as horizontal canopies. These features not only shield interiors from excessive heat but also maintain unobstructed views, striking a balance between comfort and aesthetics. Furthermore, the incorporation of bio-based insulation materials contributes significantly to the indoor climate by naturally storing and releasing heat. This creates a stable and comfortable environment that enhances the overall experience for occupants.
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Natural Ventilation: Burglar-resistant ventilation hatches in each classroom allow for safe overnight ventilation, circulating cooler air. Centrally placed roof vents draw used air out, creating a continuous natural airflow.
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Ice-based Temperature Buffering System: This system supports the heat pumps for temperature regulation.
Afterlife
In this project, adaptive reuse was a key consideration:
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Long-Term Adaptability: The building has been designed with floor-to-ceiling heights exceeding statutory minimums to enhance natural daylight and ventilation, and to provide long-term adaptability for the spaces.
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Flexible Spatial Configuration: The building’s spatial configuration consists of three interconnected clusters organized around a central core, offering a high degree of functional flexibility. This arrangement supports multiple use scenarios both now and in the future.
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Community Use: When not operating as a school, the central space can function independently as a community facility. Each cluster can be separately secured, allowing controlled access.
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Open Floor Plans: The structural system of columns and beams provides open floor plans, supporting flexible interior layouts.
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Repositionable Partitions: Internal partition walls can be easily repositioned to accommodate changing functional requirements and fluctuations in student age composition.
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Oversized Corridors: Corridors have been deliberately oversized to allow for the creation of additional informal workspaces.
Designed for disassembly and circularity, the design includes:
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Fully Detachable Wooden Building: The building is described as a "fully detachable wooden building that completely fits into a circular economy."
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Dry Connections: The superstructure is constructed entirely from timber, employing exclusively dry connections through screws and bolts. This ensures all structural joints are fully demountable.
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Disassembly and Reuse: The dry connections enable the disassembly and reuse of building elements at the end of their service life.
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Exposed Timber Structure: Wherever possible, the timber structure has been intentionally left exposed, including the connection details, ensuring visual accessibility and facilitating future disassembly and material recovery.
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Material Passport: An extensive catalogue of materials used has been registered in the building’s material passport, which supports future material recovery and reuse.
