State-of-the-art premises with latest circular and biobased developments

Sustainable building in wood

Along the A59 highway, a commercial building is being built that is clearly distinct from other commercial buildings. This special development, Houtlab, will in fact be constructed entirely of wood. It will not be just another wooden building, but a state-of-the-art business building with the latest circular and bio-based developments.

Woody Building Concepts - part of Janssen de Jong Group's Corporate Housing Cluster - develops, designs and builds corporate housing entirely in wood. This time it does so for its own people in Houtlab. Other parties involved in wood construction and circularity, such as sister companies Pvvt, New Horizon Urban Mining, Janssen de Jong Bouw and Janssen de Jong Projectontwikkeling, are also moving into the building, allowing for cross-fertilization. On the one hand, this allows Woody Building Concepts to facilitate its further growth, and on the other hand, it can work here with its sustainability ambition. 

Sharing knowledge

Due to its sustainable, circular nature and the materials used, the building is also intended to function as a knowledge center. The main supporting structure consists entirely of wood and sustainable choices are also made for the other building elements. Knowledge gained will be generously shared with all interested parties. "For example, there will be a wall of fame," explains Job Kuijpers. "On this we will share our successes as well as our blamages. After all, you learn the most from the latter." 

Open character

This open nature of Houtlab is reflected in its transparent design, with spaces that allow for optimal collaboration with everyone involved in innovation in the construction supply chain. But the design conveys more. "It's our way of showing that we do what we say," Kuijpers says. "Practise what you preach." Kuijpers' enthusiasm for wood also comes from within. "The supporting structure is made of solid wood, a beautiful renewable material that also stores CO2. In the process, it has a warm, natural appearance."

Wood grows back in minutes

For construction, Woody Building Concepts uses sustainable FSC- and PEFC-certified wood from Europe, which means that the necessary trees are also replanted there. "The growth of these is faster than you think. Take the main supporting structure, which includes almost five hundred cubic meters of wood. That same amount is regrown in northern Europe in barely three and a half minutes."   

High construction rate

Meanwhile, Houtlab is founded with circular concrete from New Horizon. Kuijpers: "This also saves on CO2 emissions. Then the building rapidly goes up in height. You work with dry materials and connections of bolts and nuts. It is also a clean, light and warm material for the assembly team to work with." 

Myths about timber construction

"There are many myths and fables about wood construction. For example, about fire resistance, acoustics or maintenance. With Houtlab we want to debunk these. I invite everyone interested in sustainable and circular building to come and see Houtlab. Because you have to feel wood," Kuijpers concludes.