Contractor selected for DIFFER's new building
At the campus of Eindhoven University of Technology, the FOM Foundation has commissioned the construction of a new laboratory building for DIFFER, the Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research. Following a European tender procedure, FOM has awarded the project to the contractor Dura Vermeer Groep. On 25 February the FOM Foundation and Dura Vermeer signed the contract for the specification phase of the new building,
FOM institute DIFFER is the Dutch centre for fundamental energy research. Researchers from DIFFER perform research on nuclear fusion as a clean, sustainable and safe source of energy. In addition, a new line of research on solar fuels has recently started, which focuses on the efficient storage and transport of sustainable energy in the form of chemical fuels. DIFFER is currently located on the Rijnhuizen Estate in Nieuwegein. DIFFER will relocate to the campus of Eindhoven University of Technology in 2015 in order to provide space for the new research and to realise a better embedding in an academic environment.
In Eindhoven, DIFFER's new building will be located on De Zaale, the main axis of the campus. DIFFER will have a floor area of 12.000 m2. A three-story high ring-shaped building will be constructed around two laboratory spaces. The ring will house offices and other facilities such as the workplace, design department, and the ICT and electronics groups. The building has an open design that will make it easier for staff and visitors to meet each other. Ector Hoogstad Architecten has designed the building with the support of various subcontractors. This was done in close consultation with the user group of DIFFER employees. Aronsohn Raadgevende Ingenieurs will advise FOM during the building process.
Sustainable design
DIFFER's mission is Science for future energy: doing fundamental research that contributes to the development of sustainable energy sources. FOM has therefore paid particular attention to a sustainable design for the new building. The long east and west wings have been designed in a saw-tooth profile to prevent warming up by the sun while at the same time allowing an optimum amount of sunlight to enter the building without the need for sunscreens. Triple glazing and solar panels will also be used in the building. The goal is for the DIFFER building to become the first research institute in the Netherlands to satisfy the BREEAM qualification excellent. BREEAM is the recognised quality mark for the sustainability of buildings.
Procedure
On 25 February, Dura Vermeer will start with the detailed elaboration of the existing final design into a specification and a 3D model. The construction phase will start in July 2013 and the new building will be completed by 1 February 2015 at the latest. After that the relocation will start.
Contact
FOM-institute DIFFER
Dr. Wim Koppers, institute manager
Gieljan de Vries, head of communications
+31 (0)30 609 69 02