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Climate adaptation, circularity, and sustainablity

Climate adaptation at The Natural Pavilion

Climate adaptation, circularity, and energy are more important than ever. At ABT, we consciously manage our impact. We pay significant attention to utilizing natural forces and materials. Additionally, we strive to preserve the existing value of buildings by adhering to circular principles, such as material reuse.

ABT actively contributes to the sustainable use of these natural forces and materials by:

  • providing advice on energy and material sustainability—from the initial phase to reuse
  • implementing integrated concepts
  • measuring environmental and energy performance, enabling active and holistic design decisions.

Circular material use

The transition from a linear to a circular economy is well underway. ABT recognizes numerous opportunities for the construction industry in circular material use. Consequently, we conduct extensive research on the potential of reused and biobased materials, as well as the sustainable enhancement of existing materials. Early identification of opportunities for circular materials application is essential. Recently, we developed the ‘green concrete’ calculation tool and our own Revit extension to assess the environmental impact of structures.

Energy

ABT employs cutting-edge techniques for energy-efficient buildings, always prioritizing user needs. Consider:

  • advising on current BENG regulations related to energy performance and compliance
  • exploring various energy storage methods (e.g., ice buffers for short- and long-term energy storage integration in buildings)
  • implementing wind turbines both domestically and internationally (currently 2,800 installations).

Sustainability certifications

The sustainability performance of a building can be assessed through certifications such as BREEAM, LEED, GPR, or WELL. ABT can handle these certifications both substantively and procedurally. We also have accredited professionals in BREEAM, LEED, GPR Building, and WELL, ensuring comprehensive support throughout the entire process—from calculations to system commissioning.

Image © ScagliolaBrakkee

Projects

Dike reinforcement City of Tiel

Dike reinforcement City of Tiel

A puzzle of piles, anchors, and forces! This is how you can describe the sheet pile wall construction of section 3B (DT3B) in the City of Tiel. To better protect the city of Tiel against high water, the dike between the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal and the Inundation Canal is being structurally reinforced. On behalf of FPH Ploegmakers, ABT developed the engineering of this project into an implementation design.
Jonas

Jonas’

Jonas’

A multifunctional building with a highly innovative residential concept. Jonas is a sustainability icon in IJburg. The project is a development by Amvest, designed by Orange Architects in collaboration with ABT and Felixx Landscape Architects and Planners. It was realized by Ballast Nedam West. ABT took care of the integral technical design.
Renovatie Huis van Roosendaal

Renovation HUIS van Roosendaal

Renovation HUIS van Roosendaal

The municipality of Roosendaal wants to demonstrate that it stands for a ‘green’ municipality. The much-needed renovation of the existing city hall from the 1970s was the perfect opportunity to pull out all the stops and showcase this green ambition. The end result is an accessible, transparent, and above all, sustainable HOUSE of Roosendaal.
Climate adaptation at The Natural Pavilion

The Natural Pavilion

The Natural Pavilion

In The Natural Pavilion, ABT and a consortium of nearly 20 Dutch companies have shown that it is possible to build fully circular, bio-based, energy-neutral houses, schools and offices on an industrial scale and in close connection with nature.

Transformation Earth Simulation Lab (ESL)

Transformation Earth Simulation Lab (ESL)

ABT was involved in the unique transformation of the Earth Simulation Lab (ESL). Designed by the ABT & Barcode Architects team, the ESL, part of the Faculty of Geosciences at Utrecht University, represents a large-scale renovation of the Robert J. van de Graaff Laboratory at Utrecht Science Park. The building brings together previously dispersed research groups from the faculty into a single location.

World Trade Center Utrecht

World Trade Center Utrecht

With the completion of the new World Trade Center (WTC), the skyline of Utrecht has been further expanded. A large-scale redevelopment of the station area created space for a WTC at the renewed Jaarbeursplein, right next to Utrecht Central Station. ABT was involved as a structural engineer in this showpiece in the heart of the city.

WRZV sports halls

WRZV sports halls

Maximal circularity and sustainability, and the lowest possible environmental impact. These were the goals during the development of the WRZV sports halls. ABT, commissioned by the municipality of Zwolle, worked with an integrated team on these sports halls. The team included experts in structural engineering, geotechnics, building services, building physics, and fire safety. During the execution, ABT conducted various quality inspections.