Green-Roofed De Snelbinder Bike Facility Holds 400 Bicycles in The Netherlands

This modern bike parking facility in Nieuwegein, The Netherlands is part of a larger plan to help renew the city center while providing convenient and safe storage for bicycles. Designed by <a href="http://www.kraaijvanger.urbis.nl/" target="_blank">Kraaijvanger Urbis</a> with <a href="http://www.donaldosborne.nl/" target="_blank">Donald Osborne Architect</a>, De Snelbinder is a two-story building designed to accommodated 400 bicycles. The industrial building is solid and strong while being light and airy - it has a metal screened facade and a huge skylight in its vegetated roof. The green roof also provides a more pleasant landscape for surrounding apartment buildings and improves the permeability of the site.

The bike parking garage is neatly tucked next to a public plaza behind a shopping arcade.

De Snelbinder makes a strong statement without being imposing - it neither stands out nor hides in the shadows.

The colored, metal screened facade is substantial and solid, yet it allows air and light to enter. A large skylight in the roof pulls extra daylighting into the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/fietsenpakhuis-netherlands-town-builds-a-stylish-bike-warehouse-to-store-700-bicycles-for-free/">bike parking shed</a>.

The industrial and geometric aesthetic is a reflection of the building's surroundings.

White metal accentuates the entrance and brightens up the space as users of the facility enter and exit.

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/green-roof">green roof</a> acts to infiltrate stormwater while providing a patch of green scenery for those who live in upper apartments nearby.

Durable and low-maintenance materials inside ensure the longevity of the facility and make it easier to use.

A large staircase in the center facilitates getting bikes up to the second floor.

In addition to bike storage, the facility houses lockers, a changing area, a seating area, and a bike repair workshop.

The project was completed in September of 2011 for EUR 475,000.