Campus Woudestein, Erasmus University Rotterdam by Paul de Ruiter Architectures

The central theme of the construction of Rotterdam’s highly sustainable educational facility was “Building the Future”.

Key features
The Langeveld Building was opened recently at Erasmus University Rotterdam as the latest addition of Campus Woudestein. It is named after Henrika Maria Langeveld, the university’s first female professor. It is a nod towards the past at an institution that is all about the future, and was built with generations in mind. Ellen van Schoten is vice president of university executive board. She explains that with modernization in education, there is a need to have additional teaching space that can adapt to changing educational methods.

Paul de Ruiter Architects was responsible for this project with BAM Bouw en Techniek. They worked together to ensure that the university’s ambitious sustainability goals were at the forefront during construction. To generate its own electricity, the building relies on solar and wind power. This technology allows for a new type ventilation system that circulates fresh air internally. It uses 85 percent less energy than traditional systems. The interior design reflects the environment. Paul de Ruiter Architects brought nature inside the building through extensive use of natural light and green tones. They also used wooden finishes throughout. This treehouse ties all of these elements together and fills the atrium.

FRAME’s take
The Langeveld Building was awarded BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), outstanding certification. This is a distinction that is only given to 1% of Dutch buildings. The ventilation system is the most innovative in sustainable technology. It has never been used in an educational building before. The university challenged the market to find a solution that would meet their high sustainability standards. This ventilation system was installed. Paul de Ruiter Architects was able to accommodate this new approach in the design of the building and set the standard in climate-proof construction for many generations to follow.

source https://retaildesignblog.net/2022/12/02/campus-woudestein-at-erasmus-university-rotterdam-by-paul-de-ruiter-architects/