How does a special mix of functions result in a social and efficient building?
BWRI Sappemeer
De Zwarte Hond designed an energy-neutral building with a timber structure for BWRI (Company for Work, Reintegration and Income) in Sappemeer. Previously, the organization operated from three outdated and poorly maintained locations. The new building brings together all departments and functions under one roof, offering an accessible and pleasant environment for a diverse—and sometimes vulnerable—group of users. The integration of various functions was carefully considered in the design. Internally, the building is compact and efficiently organized, yet forms a cohesive whole. By thoughtfully separating and blending functions, the building provides both an inviting space for visitors and a comfortable working environment for staff. Positioned centrally on the plot, the building naturally and safely separates the public outdoor areas at the front from the logistics zone at the rear. The green, park-like front garden includes seating areas and parking for bicycles and cars. In addition to a compact and cost-efficient design, the project had high sustainability ambitions. The building is fully energy-neutral. Instead of demolishing the existing structure, a large portion of the steel frames and concrete floors was reused, significantly reducing the CO₂ footprint. Where new construction was necessary, a timber structural system was implemented.
data
- Location
- Sappemeer, NL
- Size
- 6.000 m²
- Client
- Gemeente Midden-Groningen
- Discipline
- Architecture
- Program
- Offices, Well-being
- Period
- 2023-2025
- Status
- In Development
- Partners
- SWECO, Basalt, Vintis, ZRI, Sax architecten, RYSE, Marseille Buiten
Hoogezand
BWRI Sappemeer
The existing situation
Originally, the BWRI office for reintegration, work and income in Sappemeer was mainly known as an administrative organization. It counsels job seekers, finds them suitable jobs and provides them with a temporary income. But its services are expanding, and the BWRI now also offers apprenticeships and employment contracts. As a result, it is now also becoming a development company, allowing local residents to prepare for paid employment in a safe environment.
Not only was the BWRI operating from three different locations, but the buildings were outdated and in poor condition. The new building brings together the various activities and departments, and also serves as an accessible and pleasant place for a diverse and sometimes vulnerable group.
The new location is on the Oude Winschoterdiep and the building will provide the striking accent that this historic location deserves. The design refers to the old factory buildings that stood on the site, giving it a timeless and rugged appearance.
A central building with an efficient layout
We have carefully considered the whole design to create a place that is a pleasant environment where the organization of the different functions also comes together. The building is located in the centre of the site, leaving space at the front for a public entrance with a park and parking area for cars and bicycles. This green park and the terrace with (vegetable) garden form an inviting entrance. At the back of the building is the logistics area, including loading bays, containers and fleet of the Green Department. This creates a logical separation of functions and makes a welcoming entrance for visitors.
We have ensured that everything works together by placing all the functions next to the impressive public entrance:
- A public area which everyone can enter (the restaurant and the ‘work square’)
- An area with offices and meeting functions
- A working area where workshops, production and logistics are easily accessible and visible from this central location in the building.
The interior of the building is compact and efficiently laid out. The workshops and production areas are accessed via a light corridor that runs along the north and south façades. The layout of these areas around the warehouse and dispatch area ensures short and safe routes. This means that employees and customers have a direct relationship with the restaurant and office. Meetings between these different departments are made possible by the central heart with its void and staircase. At the same time, low-stimulus routes have been created where necessary.
Less demolition
Instead of demolishing the existing building on site, we will reuse much of the existing steel trusses and concrete floors. This means the building will have a low carbon footprint. This is further reduced by the fact that the building is a timber construction. The new building will also be constructed using a bio-based wood construction with columns, beams and hollow-core wooden flooring. The hollow-core wooden floors remain visible and provide mass and absorption, also contributing to good acoustics in the building.
Achieving high sustainability ambitions
In addition to a cost-effective and compact building, there were high sustainability ambitions to achieve. We have designed a building that is energy neutral. The existing structure will be fitted with well-insulated new roofs and façades, which will form a single unit with the new structure. Stability is provided by thin steel trusses at strategic locations in the building, and the load distribution in the floor by connecting the floor elements to each other. This creates a building with a free layout that is flexible for the future.
The façades are solid brick, meeting the requirement for a low maintenance façade. Large windows connect the user with the outside world and provide plenty of light in the workspace.
The final design was developed in close collaboration with consultants. By overlaying the various IFC models and allowing them to collide with each other, solutions were fully explored at this stage to avoid the risk of errors in the implementation.
