Justice Office Zaanstad
The new Justice office Zaanstad has been completed. The large complex was realized by BINX Smartility West and designed by Studio PROTOTYPE, which was responsible for the integrated design of the building, interior and landscape. For the parametric design of the louvered façade, Studio PROTOTYPE worked together with ArchiTech Company as co architect.
In 2022 the Dutch Government Building Agency awarded the contract for the design, construction and maintenance of the judicial complex to construction and installation company BINX Smartility. The complex of about 7,650 square meters provides functional and sustainable housing, including office, meeting and training spaces for a division of the Custodial Institutions Agency.
Studio PROTOTYPE’s design is based on a mainly wooden structural frame. It is the largest CLT (cross laminated timber) construction realized so far for the Dutch Government Building Agency.
Parametric Louvered Façade
For the client it was crucial that the benefits of the design could be measured. Studio PROTOTYPE together with ArchiTech Company, which acted as co architect responsible for the parametrically optimized façade design and the integrated design team, defined design and performance parameters that were carefully balanced. The louvers limit visibility from the outside while maximizing views and daylight. In this way the façade contributes to both thermal comfort and the energy efficiency of the building. The complex even produces energy and meets Paris Proof standards.
Anchored in the Landscape
Security and openness are also carefully balanced in the design. What at first seems like a closed bastion opens up to its surroundings in several ways. Three light courts play a prominent role in this. They provide a clear structure for the building, connecting and separating the different functions at the same time.
The light courts also improve access to daylight and contribute to a healthy work environment, while strengthening the connection between the building and the surrounding nature reserve. The design is firmly rooted in the peat polder landscape of Westzaan. According to Studio PROTOTYPE, the nature inclusive layout is based on local flora and fauna and takes climate change into account. The landscape design was made by Dijk&Co landscape architecture and carried out by Donker group.
The silver grey façade material reflects the tones of the green riverbank next to the complex, softening the transition between building and nature. The light courts and the layered louvered façade, behind which the offices are located, create a sheltered, green and pleasant working environment.
