Justice Building in Zaanstad, developed by Studio PROTOTYPE, sets a new benchmark in sustainable public architecture. It is the largest CLT office structure built for the Dutch government, featuring a distinctive façade with parametrically designed timber lamellas that provide optimal daylight and comfort for users.
The recognition underscores the project’s innovative qualities, functional efficiency, and environmentally responsible approach, contributing to a broader vision for modern, forward-thinking workplaces.
We’re proud to share that our Justice Building in Zaanstad has been longlisted by Archello for the Office Building of the Year 2025.
Designed by Studio PROTOTYPE, the project embodies our vision of a sustainable and human-centered workplace — featuring the largest CLT office structure built for the Dutch government and a distinctive façade with parametrically designed wooden lamellas that optimize light and comfort throughout the day.
This innovative project combines CLT timber construction with large windows and spacious atria, creating a bright and comfortable working environment. The flexible layout allows future adaptation of the garage areas into office space, while structural solutions such as large timber overhangs and rigid CLT connections demonstrate technical ingenuity. Designed by Studio PROTOTYPE and coordinated by Adviesbureau Lüning, the building exemplifies sustainable and thoughtful architecture.
The winner of the Office Building of the Year 2025 award will be announced on November 5 during the Architectenweb Awards ceremony.
read the article: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WpEkgeAE0uPXoy62tVFKzkp0-Fu7fUpM/view?usp=sharing
Rijkskantoor Justitie Zaanstad nominated for Office Building of the Year by Architectenweb!
The jury praises a building with carefully designed spaces that are modest in their expression, yet warm in atmosphere thanks to the choice of materials. Combined with the abundance of daylight entering the offices, this creates a pleasant working environment, according to the jury. They are also enthusiastic about the CO₂ savings achieved through the largely wooden load-bearing structure and the parametrically optimized façade. Studio Prototype designed both the building and the interior, and the jury immediately recognized this. The result is a highly coherent piece of architecture.
The winner of the Office Building of the Year 2025 award will be announced on the evening of Wednesday, November 5, 2025, during the festive ceremony of the Architectenweb Awards 2025.
Rijksvastgoed Actueel posted a news article about the parametrically designed louvered façade for the Justice building in Zaanstad.
In collaboration with co-architect ArchiTech Company, studio PROTOTYPE created a parametrically designed façade, realized by BINX Smartility.
“For the façade design of the new government office for Justice in Zaanstad, a computer program processed thousands of design variations. The result: optimal louvers in terms of size, position, and performance regarding shade and light, privacy, and views.”
A wonderful milestone!
Jannine van den Berg (member of the executive board of the Custodial Institutions Agency) officially opened the brand-new justice office in Zaanstad on Thursday, under the proud eye of general director Erik J. de Borst. Zaanstad is the first of a total of five main locations across the country. The building offers space for colleagues working in operations as well as for non-executive staff. It also includes training and meeting facilities, and the garage can accommodate dozens of vehicles.
A special guest at the opening was former State Secretary for Justice and Security, Ingrid Coenradie She received a copy of the book “In a Straight Line”—written by justice office colleague Ralph Stoové — which details the history of the justice office.
Drinking water company Oasen is working together with Studio PROTOTYPE on the extensive renovation of its office located at Nieuwe Gouwe Oostzijde in Gouda. The existing office, spanning approximately 5,500 m², will be transformed into a sustainable, pleasant, and flexible working environment.
Oasen provides reliable drinking water to over 800,000 residents and businesses in the Green Heart region of the Netherlands. The natural water sources and fields, as well as the office’s green and water-rich surroundings, serve as key inspirations for the design.
The renovation design focuses on three central themes: connection, work comfort, and sustainability.
The new layout promotes a flexible working structure that accommodates concentration, collaboration, and interaction. Employees are encouraged to come to the office through a combination of high-quality facilities and a green, welcoming interior.
A significant part of the design is the addition of a new atrium between two existing wings—a green heart filled with daylight that serves as a central meeting place and strengthens the connection to the surrounding landscape.
The project is currently in the tendering phase, with construction expected to begin in the course of 2025.
Credits
Client: Oasen
Project Management: Adviesbureau van den Bosch
Architect: Studio PROTOTYPE
Drafting: HTV Bouwtechniek
Installation Consultant: Galjema
Structural Engineer: Swinn
Fire Safety Consultant: Fireau
Workplace Consultant: De Plekkenmakers
Visualizations: Absent Matter
Studio PROTOTYPE has been nominated in two categories of the ARC Awards 2025 by de Architect:
ARC25 New Architecture Award with the New Justice Building in Zaanstad
in collaboration with ArchiTech Company (co-architect façade) and Dijk & Co Landscape Architecture
ARC25 Transformation and Renovation Award with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, LVVN, and KGG in collaboration with ZENBER Architects
The ARC25 New Architecture Award is awarded to a project – completed between April 1, 2024, and April 1, 2025 – that demonstrates how contemporary architecture can contribute to society. This award emphasizes the power of new construction that is not only aesthetically appealing but also forward-looking, functional, and socially responsible. The jury seeks projects that serve as a source of inspiration for the next generation of architects and urban developments.
Het tijdschrift Pi – Project & Interieur, heeft een uitgebreid artikel geweid aan het project House of Dentons. Klik op de afbeeldingen voor een uitvergrootte versie van de pagina’s.
Een artikel over House of Dentons is verschenen in het Amerikaanse tijdschrift Metropolis Magazine. In ‘House of Dentons Amsterdam Outpost Forges a New Outlook for Law Offices’ worden Wendela Raas van Dentons en studio PROTOTYPE geïnterviewd.
