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Helix One
The project
UNStudio has designed One Helix, one of the most sustainable laboratory buildings in the world, located on the Amsterdam University Medical Centre (Amsterdam UMC) campus. This highly ambitious and innovative design integrates cutting-edge sustainability features while maintaining an elegant and intelligent architectural approach.
The building, developed in collaboration with Amsterdam UMC, De Vries en Verburg, UNStudio, SolarNRG, Kenwell, Wijnveen, and Solarix, optimises energy generation on all four sides. Solar panels are seamlessly incorporated on top of the fins and as a façade for the technical space on the roof, ensuring a balanced and efficient energy yield.
The 6,515 m² structure combines laboratory and office spaces with supporting functions and amenities. Light grey Solarix panels frame the entire top band of the building, while suede black panels adorn the five wings, providing a distinctive aesthetic visible from the interior on every floor.
Designed to become one of the most sustainable laboratory environments in the world
Designed as an all-electric, net energy-positive building, One Helix is built to maintain net zero emissions and has achieved BREEAM Outstanding certification. Additionally, the project targets a low embodied carbon footprint, with an MPG score of ≤0.6. The result is a striking architectural landmark where energy generation is seamlessly integrated into the design.
Client: De Vries en Verburg
Project team: Amsterdam UMC, De Vries en Verburg, UN Studio, SolarNRG, Kenwell, Wijnveen, and Solarix.
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Solarix solar facade
The integration of solar energy into the facade of One Helix has been carefully designed for both functionality and aesthetics. The light grey Solarix panels from the Mono collection (M-636 Light Granite) frame the upper band of the building, creating a subtle and harmonious appearance. For the fins, black suede panels (B-900) were specifically chosen to ensure optimal energy generation. By strategically applying colour and material, the solar facade enhances both the energy efficiency and the architectural quality of the design.
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