Protix breeds insects to produce high-quality proteins and fat. It does this from biological waste flows, making its business process a great case for the circular economy. Protix is very innovative and rapidly developing, and asked Kraaijvanger to help design its first large-scale factory. The challenge the company presented us with was as follows: ‘We want to build the world’s most advanced and sustainable insect factory. We don’t yet know how big it will be or even where it will be. But there’s no time to waste, so let’s start with the design.’

‘Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication’ – a quote by Leonardo da Vinci – was our starting point for the design of this building. To tell the story of Protix’s exceptionally complex process and innovative technology, we strove for simplicity. We designed a minimalist high-tech closed building in a green, insect-friendly environment. When it is approached, an enormous transparent window in the closed volume is suddenly revealed. It invites visitors to come and take a look behind the scenes. Inside, a special route (the bugbone) unfolds, revealing the wonderful world of Protix: the extremely hygienic and tightly organized environment in which the insect cultivation takes place from egg to end product.

Protix was still a start-up when the company engaged Kraaijvanger to design its accommodation, and continued to improve its process every day, and therefore the demands on the building also continued to evolve. We supported Protix in getting a grip on this volatile situation. First by means of workshops, where the priorities were set that would allow us to grow the story of the building. The building was designed in such a way that we remained adaptive up to the very last moment. By linking our BIM models to the Protix modelled installations, we created the best possible integration between the building and its technology. Future operators were also involved in the process by means of VR simulations.

To spread the story as well as possible, we also designed the interior for Protix. A route through the building shows visitors the process from egg to end product.

The most advanced insect factory in the world is being built in Bergen op Zoom. This is not just good for the circular economy, but also for local employment. High-tech and nature interlock inside and outside to help society transform into a circular world. Wherever possible, we worked with circular materials and sustainable techniques. The building in its green surroundings, the transparency of the large window, and the bugbone tell the special story of Protix. The story is not yet complete. The impact will grow because more nurseries will follow. Each time we will make the building and its installations better, more sustainable and more beautiful. Constant improvement in practice!