The fossil era
For decades, the construction industry has focused entirely on concrete, minerals, and fossil-based materials. However, this is not sustainable. Resources are being depleted, the production of fossil construction materials causes high CO2 emissions, and natural areas suffer from nitrogen emissions. A fundamental change is needed: the construction industry must become more sustainable. Building with plant-based materials has now become a serious alternative.
Building with plant-based materials not only prevents CO2 emissions but also stores CO2 for long periods in the building.
Advantages
New techniques and production methods offer new materials with surprising properties: extremely strong, yet lightweight, fire-resistant, and easy to work with.
In addition, biobased construction provides opportunities for nitrogen reduction (lighter materials), shorter construction times (prefabrication), healthier indoor climates (vapor-permeable construction), affordable custom solutions (CNC milling), region-specific architecture (local material use), and urban densification (adding stories to existing buildings).
But above all: biobased materials offer the opportunity to reverse the vicious cycle of increasing CO₂ emissions and instead store CO₂ for long periods.
This new way of building simultaneously creates economic opportunities for the agricultural sector, enhances the quality of nature reserves, and represents a significant leap forward for the health of both builders and residents.
In addition, biobased construction provides opportunities for nitrogen reduction (lighter materials), shorter construction times (prefabrication), healthier indoor climates (vapor-permeable construction), affordable custom solutions (CNC milling), region-specific architecture (local material use), and urban densification (adding stories to existing buildings).
But above all: biobased materials offer the opportunity to reverse the vicious cycle of increasing CO₂ emissions and instead store CO₂ for long periods.
This new way of building simultaneously creates economic opportunities for the agricultural sector, enhances the quality of nature reserves, and represents a significant leap forward for the health of both builders and residents.
Challenges
That sounds positive, but there are also hurdles. The construction sector is not yet fully adapted to biobased materials, certifications have not yet been adjusted to new methods, and above all, there needs to be a shift in public perception regarding the use of wood and other natural materials. Notions of deforestation in Dutch forests and high fire hazards are unfounded but deeply ingrained.
our efforts
projectBiobasecamp
At the Dutch Design Week 2019, Studio Marco Vermeulen constructed the Biobasecamp, a pavilion that showcases the architectural potential of 'building with trees.' This approach aims to reduce CO2 and nitrogen levels in the atmosphere by replacing conventional building materials such as concrete and steel with wood.
The Biobasecamp served as a starting point for expeditions by designers and clients to explore the possibilities offered by this 'concrete of the future.' Through this initiative, the Biobasecamp contributed to ushering in a new era: 'The Wooden Age.'
The Biobasecamp served as a starting point for expeditions by designers and clients to explore the possibilities offered by this 'concrete of the future.' Through this initiative, the Biobasecamp contributed to ushering in a new era: 'The Wooden Age.'
projectFacade Modular Substations
ProRail is responsible for the maintenance and management of the main railway infrastructure in the Netherlands. This includes approximately 1,500 rail-related buildings that house systems and installations supporting the functioning of the railway network.
Many of these buildings are outdated and need to be replaced in the coming years. The new buildings designed by ProRail are modular, circular, and consist of connected basic modules onto which various facades can be placed, depending on the location.
The facade designed by Studio Marco Vermeulen consists of a single bio-based standard panel with a pattern that refers to the railway. Since the linear design always continues, regardless of the panel's orientation, a unique pattern is created on each facade.
Many of these buildings are outdated and need to be replaced in the coming years. The new buildings designed by ProRail are modular, circular, and consist of connected basic modules onto which various facades can be placed, depending on the location.
The facade designed by Studio Marco Vermeulen consists of a single bio-based standard panel with a pattern that refers to the railway. Since the linear design always continues, regardless of the panel's orientation, a unique pattern is created on each facade.
projectVONK Museum
With the expansion and transformation of the preHistorisch Dorp into Museumpark Vonk, Eindhoven will gain a unique museum building. VONK is the first museum building in the Netherlands to use biobased materials and sustainable techniques on a large scale and in many different ways. The green roof garden, supported by an impressive wooden construction and outer walls of lime hemp, make the building look like a section of the landscape that rises above the ground.
projectThe Dutch Mountains
The Eindhoven railway zone is in full development. With a mix of living, working and meeting people, an internationally oriented center will be built here in the coming years. The Dutch Mountains are one of the first projects to be realized here at a central location on the river valley of the Dommel. Two towers with offices, houses and a hotel come together in a collective winter garden. The sculptural building always looks different from different viewpoints and "moves with" the passer-by via the railway or via Professor Dorgelolaan. Much of the building will be constructed in cross-layer glued wood (CLT) harvested from sustainably managed forests.
projectDinteloord Gas Receiving Station
The facade of the new gas receiving station of the Agro Food Cluster (AFC) New Prinsenland is built with biobased panels of Nabasco material, produced by NPSP Composites in Haarlem. The 104 panels in total consist of a composite material of bio resin and hemp fibers. No dyes are added during the production of biocomposite. The material therefore has the color of the raw material: chocolate brown.