High-quality motor oil based on rapeseed had been produced at the old Elektrion site since 1926, leading to serious soil contamination up to 7 metres deep. Initially, the area was remediated and a master plan and visual quality plan were prepared.
New life was breathed into the existing office building and the remaining structure of the historic sheds by renovating, remodelling and repurposing them into a business centre with light-filled, well-insulated office spaces, attached to a co-working space. Authentic elements were restored to their former glory as far as possible.
In addition to the office development, two multi-family homes were erected in white brick as accent buildings on the site. Just like all the other homes and apartments, they were designed in accordance with NZE standards and connected to the site’s Borehole Thermal Energy Storage (BTES) system.
The project paid close attention to the needs of the residents. The site was upgraded to a semi-public space and made accessible to the neighbourhood. In addition, a ‘neighbourhood barn’ was provided, where residents and neighbours can organise activities. We designed the community garden and created some new soft connections between Pieter Colpaertsteeg and the Groene Vallei for pedestrians and cyclists. The neighbourhood is car-free today and accessible only to emergency vehicles and refuse services.