'Inventive installation concept inspired by the human body'

With his team of engineers, he is responsible for the technical installations from the design phase. Techniplan is also advising client BPD on the sustainable development of the multifunctional building.

"Behind the building installations is an inventive concept," Van der Kooij explains. "This concept is inspired by the human body, which is able to perform to the maximum with a limited amount of air and blood. Based on this idea, Booking.com's headquarters is equipped with smart technology, which knows what is happening in the building and responds accordingly."

Smart building

"The brain, lungs and heart of the building are in the basement," Van der Kooij continues. "From there, air and energy are transported, exactly according to need, to all rooms. Heating, cooling and lighting are done with radiation. Air distribution takes place through special grilles in the floors." The building management system is linked to sensors in the ceilings and an internal GPS system. "This makes the building smart: it knows who is in the building, where they are and what their preferences are. Based on that data and through a learning algorithm, the building automatically serves the user's needs."

Frictionless

After the final design was completed, the parties for detailed engineering and execution were selected. Van der Kooij: "There are separate lots for the architectural part, the facades, the elevators, the facade maintenance and the installation technology. All these disciplines must work together frictionlessly. People have to use the building without friction. For example, when you enter the building without a pass, you must also be able to enter the elevator without a pass." Techniplan was involved in the selection of the parties for the installations, elevators and facade maintenance. In the realization phase, Techniplan is carrying out the commissioning and supervision of the BREEAM certification.

Proud

With work still in full swing, Van der Kooij is already looking back on a fascinating project. "Besides the technical tours de force, such as the 25-centimeter raised climate floors in which all installations are integrated, I am very charmed by the design and the internal logistics. We are extremely proud to be collaborating on this extraordinary building."