Transparency as a Unifying Force at Ypsilon Park

In the green and stately Benoordenhout neighborhood of The Hague, the iconic Ypsilon Park is being given a new lease on life. The former Y-shaped office building from the 1970s is being transformed by Dura Vermeer into an exclusive residential complex with 79 apartments and penthouses. OZ Architecten’s design carefully integrates architecture, landscaping, and living comfort. Solarlux’s high-quality façade solutions play a key role in achieving this.

“Ypsilon Park is our largest project to date,” says André Jansen, senior account manager at Solarlux. “Commissioned by Dura Vermeer, we are manufacturing, supplying, and installing a large number of sliding doors, French doors, tilt-and-turn windows, an entranceway, and a curtain wall system. This allows for plenty of natural light and a sweeping view of the surrounding Oostduin-Arendsdorp Estate. The transparent facades bring the greenery inside, as it were.”

Complete system tested

Following the example of the straight facade elements, several homes are being fitted with curved window frames featuring curved glass. Another technically distinctive feature is the SL 178 lift-and-slide system, which—including structural HSB elements—has been tested for structural integrity, wind resistance, and watertightness. “In our factory, we assembled a single complete element, including structural connections,” says Jansen. “The entire system was then tested by an independent German testing agency. IBS was also present and conducted the official tests on behalf of the contractor and the client. We passed these tests with flying colors.”

High performance

These technical specifications are important because Ypsilon Park is being developed as a gas-free, energy-efficient residential complex with an A++ energy rating. “That’s why the facade solutions must combine maximum transparency with excellent thermal insulation and high resistance to wind and water,” said Jansen. “The window frames and glass together meet a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K.”

The choice of materials also contributes to the project’s aesthetic appeal. The glass systems are made from Red Grandis, a type of wood that is still relatively unknown in the Netherlands. “Red Grandis is the brand name for eucalyptus wood from northern Uruguay,” Jansen explains. “What makes this tree unique is that it’s ready for harvest after just 24 years, whereas oak, for example, takes as long as a hundred years. Red Grandis therefore grows considerably faster, but is just as sustainable and has excellent insulating properties. Moreover, the wood can be finished to a very smooth surface, making it ideally suited for exterior carpentry.” For Ypsilon Park, all window frames are delivered with a clear varnish finish.

Everything in your own hands

According to Jansen, the combination of in-house system development, production, and installation is a key reason why Solarlux was awarded this large-scale contract. “Clients find that we offer everything under one roof. This allows us to effectively monitor the quality of both the product and the installation.” The first window frames are expected to be installed in mid-November. The biggest challenge here will be construction logistics. “Space around the building is limited, and the various tasks on the facade are following one another in rapid succession. That’s why the hoisting schedules must be carefully coordinated. For example, the balconies and railings will be installed immediately after we finish. To minimize disruption to our construction partners, some systems will even be hoisted on Saturdays.” ‎‎