Kraaijvanger Architects
Blaak 40
3011 TA Rotterdam
The Netherlands
The requirements for the 76.000 m2 extension of the existing Rabobank office complex in Utrecht are clear: highly sustainable architecture, a modern office concept, and a high level of transparency.
The entire complex is designed as a single campus area. At street level, a covered pedestrian area stretches along the entire length of the site, unifying the new complex and the existing buildings. The high-rise building consists of two transparent 105 meter high towers, placed at a slightly different angle, connected by a glass façade which wraps itself as a delicate veil around the two towers. The glass facade consists of a natural material mimicking a ‘double skin’.
The clever structural design of the high-rise building creates a large amount of office space: by connecting the towers, the size of the cores have been reduced, offering more work space. The part of the towers where most of the office spaces are situated, is divided into sections, containing a so called identity floor and 3 or 4 office layers. Here additional facilities such as a small pantry is situated. So called communication stairs provide quick access to the different levels within each compartment. Large voids stretching over 4 or 5 floors at the central core of the building allow for maximum daylight and open views.
The 6 meter central plaza that forms the main entrance of the new complex evokes a city feeling with squares, neighbourhoods and little streets. The building facilitates a new way of working - independent of time and place, easily adapting to the ever changing working requirements.