The building can be dismantled and reused up to 90%

Netherlands The Matrix One building has a detachable structural system that allows more than 90% of the building materials to be reused when no longer needed.

The Matrix One building showcases energy-efficient design. Photo: MVRDV — The Matrix One building showcases energy-efficient design. Photo: *MVRDV*

Dutch firm MVRDV recently completed the construction of the energy-efficient Matrix One office and laboratory building. The project demonstrates innovative design thinking focused on flexibility. Matrix One is the largest of seven buildings in the Matrix Innovation Center in the Amsterdam Science Park, which serves as a venue for scientists and entrepreneurs to develop sustainable solutions to current and future problems, New Atlas reported on May 29.

The 13,000-square-meter, six-story building houses labs and offices for tech companies like Qualcomm, Photanol, and Skytree. It also serves as a social hub for the surrounding campus, featuring a grand staircase with tables and seating for coffee breaks and meetings. Other notable interior design features include a green wall and soft-touch finishes that help reduce reverberation. The spacious central atrium is naturally lit by large skylights. The building also houses a restaurant, bar, and 100-seat auditorium.

MVRDV has taken great care to ensure that Matrix One can be reconfigured or dismantled as needed, using screws and bolts for reinforcement and leaving the air ducts exposed for maintenance. All interior walls can be removed or relocated, allowing for a variety of layouts if required. Management will use an online materials database to continuously track the approximately 120,000 building components and their usefulness.

“Matrix One provides an opportunity for us to test a range of carbon reduction measures. The building is very modern today, but the definition of modern is constantly changing. So we designed the interior space and installed technology to be as flexible as possible. The office can easily be adapted to become a laboratory and vice versa. The laboratory can be easily upgraded with new systems to meet standards. In a few decades when the building is no longer modern, it will become a source of materials for another building,”

Matrix One reduces grid electricity use through a 1,000-square-meter solar array on the roof. Much of the building is covered in greenery, which helps to increase insulation. Lighting and heating are closely monitored to reduce energy consumption while maximizing natural light and ventilation. A cistern beneath the building collects rainwater. The interior layout also encourages people to use the stairs instead of the elevator. The building also has parking for those who are willing to cycle to work.

An Khang (According to New Atlas )

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