Natural slate walling and decorative aggregates from Welsh Slate are bringing a soothing calm to the new headquarters of an international crime agency.
The
manufacturer's Cwt-y-Bugail blue/grey pillared and rustic walling and
Cwt-y-Bugail blue/grey pillared and rustic blocks in various sizes, have
been used for and around a 232m2 feature waterfall at the new €105 million offices of Eurojust, which combats serious cross-border crime and organised crime within the EU.
The walling and decorative aggregates are part of Welsh Slate's architectural portfolio of products that also includes flooring and paving.
The
new building enables the agency's Netherlands personnel to relocate
from two locations to just the one, in The Hague's World
Forum/International Zone area.
Developed
by the Central Government's Real Estate Agency, the Ministry of Justice
and Security, and the municipality, the stringent security measures and
complexity of the location required a carefully integrated design solution.
Mecanoo
architects have designed a headquarters building that is an elegant
composition of two volumes - a high-rise tower and a low-rise plinth on
the park side - in which the rhythm of pure white composite façade
elements gives the building a timeless, classic beauty. Windows are
subtly tilted horizontally or vertically, reflecting both the sky and
the surrounding landscape.
Mecanoo designed the
landscape as one of undulating dunes with grassy vegetation and wild
flowers, in collaboration with landscape architects DS
Landschaparchitecten. By incorporating the security requirements within
the landscape design, the building has retained an open character.
Inside,
visitors are welcomed into a spacious, double-height lobby from which
there is a gradual transition from open spaces to more private areas. A
wide staircase, overlooking the dune landscape, descends to the
conference centre. Higher levels feature contemporary office
environments to encourage cooperation.
Eliano
Felicio, marketing communications manager for Mecanoo architects, said:
"We're positive about the stone as it delivers the intended atmosphere
and most of all responds to the security requirements that such a
complex building demands."
Frans
Rombouts, manager for main contractor Heijmans who partnered with de
Enk Groen & Golf on the landscaping element, said: "The contract was
awarded on the basis of economically most advantageous tender, with the
construction quality being a major contributing factor."
The Welsh Slate
walling and decorative aggregates were specified by Heijmans, supplied
through Lei Import in The Netherlands, and installed by Roys Maatwerk.
