HAUT Amsterdam first residential building in Netherlands to achieve BREEAM Outstanding

In 2016, the idea of constructing high-rise buildings with timber was not considered practical. However, HAUT's vision and the commitment of its partners have contributed to a significant shift in the Dutch construction industry. The project’s client, Lingotto, for instance, successfully completed the 'HoutWerk' office building in Utrecht in 2021, with 'HoutWerk II' also under construction. 

Team V Architecture and Arup have designed HAUT, one of Europe's largest timber hybrid office buildings for DPG Media in Amsterdam, set for completion in 2024. The construction of the timber hybrid residential tower, Amstelwood, in Amstelveen, also designed by Team V Architecture and Arup, is in progress. J.P. van Eesteren has experience constructing circular timber offices, such as those for Triodos Bank. In essence, HAUT's partners are actively engaged in various new and large-scale timber-based initiatives, firmly establishing timber construction as a viable way to construct sustainably. 

HAUT's success reflects the industry's growing commitment to sustainable construction practices, through the use of circular design principles and renewable materials. 

The HAUT project faced significant sustainability challenges, particularly with the use of mass timber in high-rise construction, which was relatively new at the time. Ensuring fire safety and acoustics compliance required extensive engineering and innovation. The team had to develop and implement new building techniques to meet these stringent requirements, while also ensuring that the building's aesthetic and functional goals were met. This involved close collaboration with experts in timber construction and the use of advanced simulation tools to model and optimise the building's performance.

Another major challenge was the site’s specific conditions, which included a desired building height and a full glass facade that added complexity to the design. The combination of these elements with the sustainable use of timber required innovative structural solutions to ensure stability and safety. The team successfully navigated these challenges through international collaboration, technical innovation, and a commitment to sustainability, ultimately proving the feasibility of high-rise timber buildings with striking architecture.

HAUT's design integrates a mix of CLT walls and floors with a concrete core, ensuring structural integrity while significantly reducing the building's carbon footprint. This hybrid approach enabled the team to overcome challenges related to fire safety, acoustics, and the structural demands of a high-rise. The building's facade features extensive solar panels, and its rooftop gardens incorporate rainwater storage, contributing to its overall energy efficiency and environmental performance.

BREEAM’s holistic approach ensured that all aspects of sustainability were considered, from energy efficiency and materials to health and well-being. The rigorous standards set by BREEAM pushed the design team to innovate and achieve higher levels of sustainability than initially envisioned, resulting in HAUT becoming the first residential high-rise in the Netherlands to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding certification.

Unique features of HAUT include its high level of customisation allowed by the CLT panels, large floor-to-ceiling windows providing ample natural light and spectacular views, and the integration of innovative installations such as smart home automation. Additionally, the building's design includes approximately 100 bird and bat nests hidden in the facade, promoting local biodiversity.

HAUT’s innovative construction offers numerous benefits, including significant carbon savings. The building stores approximately 2,500 tonnes of CO2 within its timber structure, which is equivalent to the emissions from the energy use of its 52 homes for ten years. The project also showcases how timber can be used to create flexible and aesthetically pleasing living spaces, with large windows providing ample natural light and stunning views over the Amstel River.