Sustainability
Sustainability in architecture
Sustainability is far more than just saving energy. Even the beauty of the building is a determining factor. Ten aspects determine sustainability: surrounding; connectivity; lifetime; material use; waste; CO2 emission; health and safety; user value; energy flows; beauty. The total score for these ten aspects determines the degree of sustainability.
Moreover, if one of these ten aspects is insufficiently considered, the building will not be sustainable and will be demolished prematurely. In practice, this might mean that an extremely energy-efficient building in a totally inaccessible environment is not sustainable. And a building that scores highly in all areas but is considered ugly will not survive for long. In our view, the design process must be a broad exploration, and these ten reference points clarify what needs to be considered.
With the help of a clear plan, DHD helps you define your ambitions clearly. This enables you to understand how you will benefit and what you have to offer. We also know how to achieve these ambitions. Our strong awareness of costs means we can compare possible integrated solutions by considering all aspects of a building’s lifecycle. As a result, you can take decisions about how sustainable you want your building to be. Sustainability is also about the four basic elements of earth, water, air and fire.
The less impact the building has on those four elements, the more sustainable the building is and will be. But a fifth element is necessary: mentality. The mentality of a building’s occupants must be grounded in sustainability. Involving future occupants in the design process will make them more aware of sustainability, and that will benefit the total level of sustainability.
Sustainability in engineering
Many people talk about it, but DHD makes sure it gets built. We do that by designing from a sustainable point of view, applying sustainable techniques in design, and by communicating clearly about costs and feasibility. We do that with both feet on the ground and by realizing that a future without sustainability is no future.
Lowering energy consumption is of vital importance for the environment and, given the constantly rising cost of energy, for every organization. DHD helps building clients and occupants choose the best energy-saving solutions.
Flexibility
A building is also sustainable if it can be adapted to meet changing needs and occupants. This calls for inventively devised and integrated installations.
Sustainable energy
DHD promotes the use of sustainable energy wherever possible. That allows us to limit the use of fossil fuels, which will eventually make us less dependent on these sources.
Socially responsible
By operating in a socially responsible manner, DHD offers our staff a solid and secure foundation. From there, we provide consistent advice and promote the vision outlined above.
Effective and efficient use of water and materials
The effective use of water and materials is also part of a sustainable building. Re-use is also a realistic option. DHD ensures a good balance between installation technology and structural facilities. On the basis of the total life cycle costing, we make the right assessments and choices.
Comfort
A building that is a pleasure to live and work in maintains its value. And it contributes to the health and productivity of its occupants, whether they are staff, patients or visitors. Building installations certainly help, but our view is that the fewer installations, the better.
Occupants
To ensure a long lifespan, installation design must harmonize with how occupants use a building. This means that installations must be easy to maintain and manage. Moreover, DHD monitors the smooth performance of installations.
Materials
In selecting materials, DHD ensures that the cycle of materials on earth is not disrupted unnecessarily.
Read more about the next generation hospital >
Landscape design
Commissions often concern the siting of buildings. Issues raised include the natural conditions of the site, the water system, existing nature, ground and height lines. The essence of the city and landscape is understood through thorough visual analysis. Open space forms the basis of landscape design and architecture.
Landscape design for hospitals
The use of space becomes more intense and the density of development increases. This calls for a strong and carefully designed open space. Much of the work focuses on the layout of gardens, squares, parks or entire networks of public space. Yet the integration of large healthcare complexes in the landscape or in the city can also form the basis of a design for public space. In the design of outdoor spaces, it is vital to establish a relation with the character of the site so that the new design harmonizes with its surroundings and the site preserves its meaning.
The aim is to create clear spaces in which major lines are recognizable and the detailing forms a genuine part of the concept. While function may be very important, a design should be more than just the translation of a brief. Special and individual elements can make a place exciting and lend it a poetic character. The projects therefore vary from sober and modest to exuberant and compelling, but they are always self-evident for the particular site and programme.
Contact: Ronald Bron, landscape architect
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WORK INNOVATION
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
BUILDING SERVICES
ARCHITECTURE
Gelre Hospital
Haga Hospital
The Asclepius!
Gemini Hospital, Den Helder
A living building and a healing environment
A new hospital on a new site. Planetree and the Living Building Concept were the key themes in the design of this new 25,000-m2 hospital. The Planetree method helps in the creation of a pleasant environment for both patients and staff, while the Living Building Concept ensures that the building can shrink or expand in response to demands. Combining the two produces both emotional and rational advantages.
The apparent differences in approach were unified in the design with the creation of two highly flexible and rational building blocks (the Gemini twins) placed parallel to each other with an organic form sheltered between the two. The rational blocks contain the more private medical functions, while the organic form houses the more public and recreational functions. The two functional blocks are raised above ground to allow for a car park beneath the building. The hospital will be built in Den Helder, a harbour town on the northern coast of Holland. The surrounding dune landscape provided the inspiration for the design. The undulating, stepped form of the parallel blocks usually relates the complex firmly to the dune landscape and passing containerships.
Follow this link to read an interview held with Gemini Hospital’s construction coordinator Freek Jan Kossen.
Disciplines
Architecture, landscape design, services, structural engineering