Justice Office
Connecting light atriums
The design is deeply rooted in the surrounding peat polder landscape of Westzaan. The clear building structure is organized around three light courts, which ensure optimal daylight access and a healthy working environment. At the same time, they strengthen the relationship between the building and the surrounding natural area. The nature-inclusive design contributes to biodiversity and climate adaptation.
For our client, the Central Government Real Estate Agency, being able to quantify the benefits of the design was essential. Together with the integrated project team, we identified parameters that were optimized within a parametric model. The façade, equipped with parametrically designed louvers, strikes a balance between daylight, energy consumption, and privacy. The result is an adaptive louver structure on the façade, positioned to limit visibility into the building while maximizing views outward and optimizing the balance between solar gain and daylight access. Additionally, the louvers contribute to an energy-efficient building with ample natural light and limited visibility from the outside. As a result, the building is Paris-proof (aligned with the Paris Agreement) and energy-generating.
The office and training section is entirely biobased: walls, floors, and columns are constructed from CLT, timber frame (HSB), and laminated timber. The vehicle storage and warehouse areas are built with a demountable steel structure and concrete floors, designed for heavy vehicles and large spans. The building is fully demountable and flexible, allowing new clusters to be added and office functions to further develop within the structure of the storage area.
Studio LA created a site-specific artwork for this government office. The work consists of a wall installation and a book on a pedestal, bringing together stories from employees of the Ministry of Justice. It visualizes a network of colleagues, departments, events, and trust. The artwork invites people to read each other’s stories, gain a deeper understanding of one another, and offers new employees or visitors a unique way to become acquainted with the organization.
The largest timber structure ever commissioned by the govermental building agency
The design is deeply rooted in the surrounding peat polder landscape of Westzaan. The clear building structure is organized around three light courts, which ensure optimal daylight access and a healthy working environment. At the same time, they strengthen the relationship between the building and the surrounding natural area. The nature-inclusive design contributes to biodiversity and climate adaptation.
The facade was parametrically designed and optimized in collaboration with ArchiTech Company. The louvers filter light, ensure privacy, and at the same time preserve views. They limit direct visibility while contributing to thermal comfort and energy performance.
The base of the building is made of flat-galvanized steel that reflects the colors of water and reeds. Over time, this material develops a patina, allowing the facade to become increasingly anchored within the landscape.
