On 29 February 2023, BESIX Nederland officially handed over the keys of Mediavaert to DPG Media, the media company that will occupy the building located in Amsterdam as of the beginning of March. BESIX Nederland was awarded a Design and Build contract for the construction of this iconic office building by developer Being in 2021, which will house the media company’s new Dutch headquarters. Covering almost 45,000 m², the building is one of the largest hybrid-timber office buildings in the world and represents an incredible feat of innovation and sustainability.
Sustainable from top to bottom
The building’s design integrates many sustainable aspects, including a hybrid-timber structure, using no less than 6,500 m³ of timber. Unlike conventional building materials like concrete, timber production results in remarkably lower levels of CO2 and nitrogen. Plus, the trees, during their growth phase, act as natural carbon absorbers. The CO2 remains embedded within the wood even after it transforms into our construction material. This makes Mediavaert not just a greenhouse gas neutral entity, but potentially an almost carbon-positive one. The building is also highly energy efficient, including an underground heat/cold energy storage system combined with a heat pump and solar panels on the roof. Mediavaert's timber-hybrid design and its many sustainability features symbolises a significant stride towards eco-friendly construction, earning the project the much sought-after BREEAM Excellent certification.
State-of-the-art facilities
Mediavaert offers brand-new state-of-the-art facilities. In addition to work spaces, the building includes recording studios, meeting rooms, restaurants, an espresso bar, and a pleasant reception room. The open design of the building is based on the interaction between the voids and the common spaces. Green spaces in, on, and around the building create an inspiring working environment that promotes well-being and health.
Steady work progress
Works on this stunning office building designed by Team V Architectuur started in December 2021. After the foundation works, structural works started with a topping-out ceremony in February 2023 and the building being completely water- and windproof in May 2023. Piping was then laid, and partition walls were installed and finished. After the floors were delivered one by one, floor covering was laid out and IT facilities were installed. The building features several architectural marvels including the fitting out of the façade with 16,000 blue and green ceramic tiles and beautiful spiral stairs which constitute the central piece of the building.
Nic De Roeck, General Manager BESIX Nederland: “With the completion of Mediavaert, we take immense pride in showcasing our capabilities, from conception to realisation, in tackling such a demanding project. Mediavaert is an exceptional building, the largest wood-hybrid office in Europe, where connections between wood, steel, and concrete make this building an engineering marvel. BESIX Nederland is honoured to have erected this building from the ground up. I want to thank our client and partners for working with us every step of the way on this iconic project.”
