Biosintrum

A source of inspiration for the biobased economy

When the Municipality of Ooststellingwerf developed a regional knowledge center for the biobased economy, it was a logical choice to use the building itself as a model. The biobased economy is based on a cycle in which natural resources are sustainably processed into products that can be reused as raw materials, while the materials used are replenished during the growth process. Biosintrum (Sintrum is the Frisian word for "center") became a pilot project that sought the most sustainable solution for every aspect. The building had to be energy-neutral, constructed of natural materials, and encourage knowledge sharing. Collaboration with local partners was central to this process. For example, NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences advised on biobased materials, students from Van Hall Larenstein calculated the energy neutrality and water savings, and NHL Stenden also developed the hospitality concepts. Even the materials were sourced locally: for example, they experimented with insulation made from collected jeans – a healthy, affordable, and effective alternative to glass wool. This is convenient for the construction workers who have to work with the material, because unlike glass wool, cotton doesn't irritate, so they don't need to wear face masks. The tripod-shaped building is organized around a central atrium that connects the three wings—containing a restaurant, conference hall, educational spaces, meeting rooms, and labs. The open study areas around the atrium encourage interaction and knowledge sharing, precisely what the Biosintrum is designed for.

Building with mold, jeans, and elephant grass

Upon entering the building, the biobased applications are immediately apparent. The visible supporting structure is made of locally harvested larch wood. Staatsbosbeheer (the Dutch Forestry Commission) managed the planting of new trees to ensure that no forest was lost. Untreated Accoya window frames, wooden wall cladding, cradle-to-cradle flooring, biocomposite facades, and a skylight made of recycled plastic demonstrate the attention to natural detailing. The roof is fitted with solar panels, rainwater is collected, and exclusively LED lighting is used. At the heart of the building, a tree symbolizes the ecological ambitions. Innovative natural materials have been experimented with throughout: interior walls are made from mycelium, the root system of mushrooms that binds sawdust and straw into compact, biodegradable sheet material; floors in which elephant grass replaces sand and gravel, significantly reducing the weight of the concrete; applications of flax, clay, and marmoleum made from cocoa shells; electrical outlets made from corn; and restaurant furniture made from recycled materials. In short: it has become a building for and by a sustainable community, where knowledge sharing and collaboration are central, and serves as an example in the Biobased Economy.

Read more about this project and the social contribution of the surrounding area.