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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
Architect: UNStudio
Developer: Breakthrough properties
Project team: Amsterdam UMC, SolarNRG, Kenwell, Wijnveen, and Solarix.
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.
M-636 Light Granite from the Mono collection features a soft grey tone enhanced by the rhythmic repetition of a subtle accent. This layered pattern intensifies the colour and gives the solar facade a calm, clean and dynamic character.
B-900 Suede uit de Zwart-collectie heeft een suede, semi-matte uitstraling dankzij het speciaal geselecteerde voorglas. De zorgvuldig gekozen zwarte zonnecellen zorgen voor een diepe, zachte kleurbeleving en geven de gevel een moderne, ingetogen en hoogwaardige look.
Amsterdam gains a new sustainable landmark: De Kikker school now features the largest coloured Solarix solar facade in the Netherlands. Its 1,444 m² of green textured panels give the building a vibrant look while generating solar energy.
Solar facade contributes to Paris-proof status of new dsm-firmenich headquarters in Maastricht. This project, developed by Edge and 3W Real Estate, and realized in collaboration with Broekbakema, BAM, and LDS Energy, marks a milestone in sustainable construction and is a prime example of how buildings can be made Paris-proof.
