DHV Architects Sustainable Head Office Remodel is a Finalist in the Dutch Design Awards

First designed in the 1970’s by DHV and David Zuiderhoek, <a title="DHV Architects" href="http://www.dhvarchitects.com/">DHV Architects</a>' home office is a stunning example of Dutch structuralism. Unfortunately, it was also beginning to show its age on the façade; so DHV decided to renovate the building while improving its <a title="Green-Roofed Trinity One Incubator Awarded BREEAM Outstanding in the UK Read more: Green-Roofed Trinity One Incubator Awarded BREEAM Outstanding in the UK | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building " href="http://inhabitat.com/green-roofed-trinity-one-incubator-awarded-breeam-outstanding/">sustainability</a> at the same time. The result is a structure that pays respect to its roots while embracing the future, and the project has been selected as a finalist in the <a title="Dutch Design Awards" href="http://www.dutchdesignawards.nl/">Dutch Design Awards</a>.

The wood framing on the windows were replaced to create a “transparent curtain wall,” emphasizing the building's shape.

The building is formed using a honeycomb-like series of hexagon shapes.

The building takes advantage of the wooded landscape and is built to allow in ample natural light.

"The large open office spaces around the attractive atrium, which have many green features, are still used today," states the DHV website. The floor plan was built with an emphasis on open interaction between employees.

According to DHV Architects, "a decision was made to modify the immediate landscape around the building, in order to improve the feeling of working in the midst of nature." The building renovation pays respect to the original design while embracing sustainable design.

The building has been selected as a finalist in the Dutch Design Awards. "It is important that during the renovation, no attempts have been made to turn the building into a new one," states the award selection committee. "The building has thus acquired a Rietveld- like appearance."

The open, airy design was kept intact during renovations. The design, which was revolutionary at the time, encouraged different departments and employees to freely interact.

During the renovation, the HVAC, insulation and lighting was improved with sustainability in mind. White roofing material was used to provide sun protection.