Mecanoo Architecten Tops Out Its Green-Roofed Amsterdam University College

We've been watching the progress of the zig-zaggy, green-roofed <a href="http://www.auc.nl/" target="_blank">Amsterdam University College</a> building, and are pleased to report that it recently held a topping out ceremony on September 21st. The new liberal arts and sciences college is a joint venture between the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and the VU University Amsterdam (VU) and boasts a lush <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/sedum">sedum</a> covering that will keep the building nice and cool when it's complete. Other green building strategies include daylighting, geothermal heating and cooling and the use of concrete as thermal mass. Amsterdam University College (AUC) was designed by Delft-based <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/mecanoo-architecten">Mecanoo Architecten</a> and is expected to be complete in time for the Fall 2012 semester.

The Amsterdam University College began in 2009 selective and residential honors college dedicated to international liberal arts and sciences programs that cross the boundaries of languages, cultures and academic disciplines.

<a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/mecanoo">Mecanoo Architecten</a> was chosen to design the 5,800 m2 building, which includes classrooms, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/library">library</a>, restaurant, common room (living room), project rooms, conference rooms, workstations.

Located next to Anna Hoeve, a historic farmhouse, which is surrounded by mature trees, the AUC building serves as a distinctive gateway to the Science Park.

Inside multiple common areas encourage interaction and meetings, while the attic area creates a quiet space for the library and study areas.

Designed with a small footprint, the compact building mass creates an optimal ratio between the wall and floor surface and the relationship between open and closed surfaces in the facade is optimized.

Thermal storage and concrete thermal massing help reduce energy usage along with the use of geothermal heating and cooling.

<a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/daylighting">Daylighting</a> enters the building from the roof via three elongated voids, while sensors and daylight monitors reduce artificial lighting when not needed.

The zigzag roof is more than just a striking sculptural addition.

The sloping roof facets are <a href="http://inhabitat.com/category/green-roof">covered in sedum</a>, which provide increased insulation and soak up rainwater.

So far, the project has a <a href="http://www.greencalc.com/Wat_is_GreenCalc.html" target="_blank">Greencalc+</a> score of 200.