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client:  Zwitserleven, Amsterdam

programme:  16.700 m2 offices

architect:  Pi de Bruijn

project team:  Y. Uehara, H de Haas

contractor:  Brink Groep bv., Leidschendam en Ballast Nedam, Nieuwegein

date of commission:  1995

date of construction:  1995 - 1997

gross surface:  16.700 m2

Zwitserleven, Amstelveen

This is the main office of what is probably the most famous Dutch insurance-company, called ‘Swiss Life’. Situated along the A9 motorway in Amstelveen, it consists of an H-shaped volume on top of a base containing a central hall, meeting rooms, an auditorium and a canteen. The recess of the ‘H’ ensures that sufficient natural light penetrates the compact volume. At the same time this ground plan in the form of an irregular ‘H’ permits a great variety in floor depths making the building specially fit for the latest concepts in office design and organisation towards more differentiation.

Notable features

  • Sample project of sustainable design in 1990's.
  • Geothermal generated renewable energy.
  • High insulation, triple glazing with sun shading and heat regain in air cavity minimize energy use.
  • Concrete core activation with cooling ceilings and adaptive lighting allow for efficient energy use.
  • Double skin glass facade to reduce traffic noise.
  • Operable windows in facade allow individual control.
  • Energy reduction of 55% and reduction of 200.000 kg CO2.