IBN – INSTITUTE FOR FORESTRY AND NATURE RESEARCH

WAGENINGEN, THE NETHERLANDS, 1994–1998

The IBN Institute’s new building is located This EU pilot project for ecological con-
to the north of the university city of Wage- struction incorporates progressive ideas
ningen, close to other existing agricultural from both the client and user groups,
institutes. creating a multi-layered framework that is
capable of responding to the multitude of
The design brief was for a functional, demands in such a research establishment.
user-friendly research facility working in The design’s deliberate aesthetic imperfec-
harmony with nature; versatile and eco- tion is an appeal to an unmediated, prima-
logically sound. The building was designed rily sensory experience of architecture. Client
not to dominate its rural setting, but to Rijksgebouwdienst Direktie Oost
embrace the landscape, with all workplac- The project was realised within a standard Arnheim
es in direct contact with indoor and out- budget demonstrating that durable and The Netherlands
door gardens. Two indoor gardens provide sustainable building techniques can be Architect
the focus for daily activities and function applied without additional costs. Stefan Behnisch
as informal meeting areas. Beyond this, Competition
they are an integral compo­n ent of the 1993, 1st Prize
building’s energy concept, improving the Planning and construction
performance of the external envelope. 1994–1998
Gross
11,800 m²
Volume
70,000 m³
Address
Droevendaals Steeg 3a
6708 Wageningen
The Netherlands

B E H NI S C H A R C H I T E KTEN
 IBN – INSTITUTE FOR FORESTRY AND NATURE RESEARCH
WAGENINGEN, THE NETHERLANDS, 1994–1998

B E H NI S C H A R C H I T E KTEN
 IBN – INSTITUTE FOR FORESTRY AND NATURE RESEARCH
WAGENINGEN, THE NETHERLANDS, 1994–1998

B E H NI S C H A R C H I T E KTEN
 IBN – INSTITUTE FOR FORESTRY AND NATURE RESEARCH
WAGENINGEN, THE NETHERLANDS, 1994–1998

B E H NI S C H A R C H I T E KTEN