Quooker Factory

Ecologically valuable landscape

The desire to build a climate-adaptive, nature-inclusive, and energy-neutral factory complex is the guiding principle in its design. Quooker aims to house all its business activities within one innovative business premises set within an ecologically valuable landscape. The design of the terrain and various gardens is inspired by local landscapes. The clay polder landscape around Ridderkerk, with its characteristic linear elements such as windbreaks, riparian vegetation, and ditches, serves as inspiration for creating inviting spaces. This ensures a connection with the local landscape and maintains a human scale. With the development of the new factory, we are adding an ecologically valuable work landscape and connecting it with the ecological structures of Nieuw Reijerwaard.

Soil, Water, and Climate

Since water is the foundation of the Quooker company, we aim to showcase it in every aspect of our building's landscape design and its surroundings. Water is locally collected and reused, and tap water is minimized by using rainwater for toilet flushing and watering plants. Outside the building, there is a robust system that leverages the local soil's qualities and ensures a healthy water cycle. The design is experiential and manageable, ensuring longevity and resilience against climate change. The chosen vegetation suits the poorly permeable clay and peat layers, enhancing the indigenous character and functional value of the landscape. We reduce the warming of the building and outdoor space through a heat-resistant design, including the planting of about 350 trees, 2000 shrubs, and a ground-covering herb layer.

Healthy Work Landscape

The landscape design prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists, creating an inviting outdoor space. The design provides ample space for meeting, sports, and health activities that encourage interaction across departments. In the building, employees are encouraged to take the stairs. An internal network of a green axis with a water-rich layout and a series of larger gardens - a confetti of small-scale green spaces such as patios and roof gardens - ensures a healthy work landscape. The characteristic historical linear landscape elements are applied in the building.

The diverse green spaces foster micro-restoration, enhancing mental well-being. Views of greenery from different floors offer mental relaxation and improved visibility. Spending more time in the orchard, entrance garden, or taking extended lunch walks ensures micro-restoration. Additionally, small thematic gardens are designed for short activities in a green setting at specific times. Biophilic design increases work satisfaction by 26%, vegetation in the work environment improves health and reduces complaints by 30%, and even leads to fewer sick reports (-1.6 days).

Circular Material, Symbiotic, and Nature-Inclusive

The landscape design integrates natural and local processes, using circular materials and promoting symbiotic, nature-inclusive relationships. Healthy soil and efficient water systems blend nature with architecture. Prioritizing flora and fauna, the design aims to enhance local biodiversity and offer nature experiences. Employees find both adventure and refuge in nature, reflected in the carefully orchestrated terrain design. Contrasting cultivated and wild areas enhances ecological value, guiding garden and ground maintenance.