Location: Utrecht, Netherlands.

Architect: Zecc Architecten.

The Werkspoor District in Utrecht, which includes an industrial warehouse with a length of 175 metres, has won the ABN AMRO Circular Economy Award. The Werkspoor Factory is a large-scale example of industrial heritage and has been preserved and activated with a range of work-related functions. The building houses a community of businesses from creative independent entrepreneurs to the large beer brewery De Leckere. The Werkspoor Factory is part of an ensemble of existing buildings and the ‘Hof van Cartesius’, a circular breeding ground. The building has a range of functions, including hospitality, event space, and a training centre for innovation in 3D printing. The building also has a large multifunctional space for various purposes, including parties, lectures, workshops, and meetings. The building has various new façade openings in the existing façades for the benefit of the new functions. The most important objective is the activation of the area, the building, and the people who work, think, learn, and manufacture here together. The building is also sustainable, with insulation, insulating glass, and PV panels. The entire building was insulated, provided with insulating glass, and the roof was filled with PV panels. The building has also been provided with a diagonal grid with green elements so that the area around the building is accessible. The Werkspoor District has become the most popular business area for creative and enterprising Utrecht. The client, Overvecht Vastgoed, has committed itself to the Werkspoor District for a long time and contributes to the transformation of the area through the redevelopment of industrial buildings where working, learning, experimenting, and meeting come together. The synergy between design and programming is essential, and Zecc Architecten has been very successful in creating room for wishes and active contributions of future users.

Photo credit: Stijnstijl Photography.