Triodos Bank International

On a very special site, situated along a stately avenue, the Triodos Bank built a new office for their international banking activities. For over a century, part of the site was in use as a Roman Catholic cemetery, which in 1988 was designated a municipal monument. Triodos’ idea of ‘sustainable banking’ proved to be very successful. By attracting funds to support socially and environmentally responsible projects, a novel opportunity arose: to use the available money for setting up new projects worldwide. That meant more work, so more space was needed. The new Triodos International is 52 % more energy-efficient than the standard requirement for office buildings. The building is divided into four angular volumes, each clad in its own material: wood, brick, glass and titanium. The entrance, with consultation rooms and a central hall doubling as an auditorium, is located at the pivot. The glass walls of the consultation rooms in the entrance hall can be ‘frosted’ if privacy is needed.