Sustainable redevelopment of EDGE Stadium completed

The renovation of EDGE Stadium, former headquarters of Loyens & Loeff, was announced at the end of 2020. This was some twenty years after the building was first completed, under the name Forum, at the time Zuidas’ most sustainable and acclaimed building. Amazingly, it was also the same architects’ firm, atelier PRO, that had the honour of updating its own design two decades later. The redevelopment clearly demonstrates the extent to which ideas around sustainability have progressed. It also shows how understanding of what a modern office building should offer has evolved over that time.

The new EDGE Stadium is expected to emit 70% less CO₂ than the original building. The building has been fitted with 1,250 square metres of solar panels and an underground thermal energy storage system. As a result, the building will run on 100% renewable energy. In approaching the redevelopment, there was not only a focus on ‘operational emissions’ – the CO₂ emissions necessary to keep the building in operation – but also on ‘embedded emissions’. This refers to total CO₂ emissions during the building’s entire life-cycle, including emissions during construction and demolition of the building in a distant future. Existing beams and the concrete structure have been reused, as has the interior of the atrium façade.

The office accommodation has been increased by around 50% to almost 30,000 square metres. This has been achieved by expanding the two wings of the atrium, making it feel much more intimate. On top of the original building, a lightweight wooden floor has been added. The copper heart has been retained and had a glass façade added to it. Green features, including a 10 m high ficus in the atrium, combine to create a vibrant and healthy working environment. The resulting workspace aims to promote hospitality, connection and creativity. Two communal roof terraces have been created for the same reasons. The updated EDGE Stadium is being awarded a WELL-Gold certificate. The ‘WELL Building Standard’ assesses the impact of a building on people’s health and well-being.