Platform on new construction, renovation, restoration and transformation
On Stadhouderskade and Overtoom in Amsterdam, the former Aurora building is being redeveloped into a future-proof office location. The characteristic appearance of the 1960s municipal monument will be preserved, even with heavy technical interventions behind the scenes.
The Aurora building, designed by Piet Zanstra, was granted Amsterdam municipal monument status during the planning process. This imposed clear preconditions. Recognizable components such as facades, columns and facades would be retained and, where necessary, restored, while the new function, new laws and regulations and the pursuit of BREEAM Excellent status demanded different technical equipment. Among other things, air handling units and dry coolers had to be installed on the roof without affecting the view. “These are quite large installations, but you don't see them now,” says Gerrit Noordermeer of Building Services Amersfoort. “Together with the consultants, we found a solution.”
The building will be completely gasless and will have its own CHP system, 214 solar panels and climate-adaptive green roofs. Grid congestion was a key design factor. “That was a specific challenge,” Noordermeer said. “We thought long and hard about putting a battery pack into the building. But in the end we didn't have to, because grid operator Liander came up with more contracted power for the building.” So the most important lesson Noordermeer takes away? “As early as possible in the process already ask the question: how much power is available? That sounds logical, but three years ago that was not so obvious.”
