In the spring of 2022, the new Dutch Galapagos headquarters opened its doors at the Leiden Bio Science Park (NL). The impressive 17,000 m² building, combining office and laboratory spaces, owes much of its architectural character to the plinth and rooftop structure clad in Linius, Renson’s horizontal façade cladding system. The brushed and anodized finish of the aluminum blades brings vibrancy to the façade. Special laser-cut combs integrated into the carrier profiles add an extra layer of functionality: fall protection for visitors in the parking garage. This clever solution eliminated the need for traditional, visually intrusive fencing and guardrails.
Both the client and the architect deliberately opted for anodized blades. “Purely for aesthetic reasons,” explains Koos Zwitser, Project Manager at OZ Architects. “We wanted to create liveliness in the façade. Powder-coated cladding tends to look too uniform and sterile. The final result with brushed, anodized blades has received unanimous positive feedback. Mission accomplished. And the fact that the anodizing process is less harmful to the environment than powder coating was a welcome bonus.” Façade contractor Storax brushed and anodized the Linius blades and installed the entire system, including the integration of around fifteen door constructions.
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