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Installing retention crates

Optimizing water flows

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When approaching the destination, the wooden arch structure is what will caught the eye first. We positioned the logistics forecourt on the rear side of the plot on purpose. To create a seamless transition between the garden, the curved ecological screen, and the surrounding urban agriculture.

The starting point for Vega Amsterdam was optimal integration between the various subareas within Business Park Amsterdam Osdorp. The wave motion arising from the site creates a seamless transition between the landscape and the building, creating synergy between Nature and Functionality, as well as its unique look. The roof is partly designed as a green roof and partly equipped with PV panels, adding value beyond aesthetics. Among other things, the presence of vegetation on the roof captures rainwater and makes a positive contribution to enhancing biodiversity. It also acts as an additional layer of insulation, reducing the rate at which the building heats up in the summer and cools down in the winter. The curvature of the roof also has a positive effect on the orientation of the PV panels, achieving more optimal efficiency.

Senior Architect, Jordy Aarts 
Heembouw Architecten

The type of Nature we plant are native species that belong in this area and that can already be found in the perimeter. These will provide an abundance of food and shelter for animals and insects. Also, it offers better thermal insulation, better health, and an overall better environment for the users of the destination and its surroundings. Our design plan for Vega Amsterdam is defined around three area types; ground level, façades, and the roof landscape.

Wherever we can, we let Nature grow and optimize it.

Vega Amsterdam is a unique example of a logistics destination being developed in a nature-inclusive manner. Through our alliance with Rebel Group, we have objectively assessed the environmental, social, and financial effects of this approach. These findings are visualized through the Gaia® connection grid and show how investing in Nature adds value for all.

We measure our ecological contribution through the Gaia® connection grid.

By meeting the strict criteria of the European guidelines for taxonomy (EU Taxonomy), Vega Amsterdam is at the forefront of sustainable logistics developments in the Netherlands. An important step forward in the pursuit of sustainability goals set forth in the Paris Agreement. This initiative, led by Stellar Development and Heembouw, emphasizes the crucial role of sustainable construction and helps in the fight against ‘greenwashing’. The emphasis here is on reliable and transparent investments in truly sustainable projects. After all, what we build today affects our tomorrow.

Vega Amsterdam is finished on the inside with a natural coating. This coating, combined with a tremendous amount of natural light, results in a calm and pleasant working environment. The offices are designed as transitional zones between the inside and outside world, not just in terms of functionality, but also in experience and finishing. In these areas, the wooden elements and green façades come together with the light color scheme of the warehouse, creating a pleasant working environment here as well with a view of the beautiful surroundings.

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Receive a digital edition of the Vega Amsterdam book

With a prime location in Business Park Amsterdam Osdorp, Vega Amsterdam is located right in the middle of the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area. Business Park Amsterdam Osdorp sure is to become the most state-of-the-art working environment in the Netherlands, featuring its own urban park (complete with water features and elaborate footpaths). The area integrates work, recreation, and social functions in a unique way with room for nature, biodiversity, and urban agriculture.

A gateway to the world.

Completion Q2 2026.

Vega Amsterdam

Designing a sprinkler tank as the biggest insect hotel in Europe

We decided to put the sprinkler tank in the middle of the site turned it into a huge insect hotel.

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A special feature of Hydra Utrecht is the incorporation of nature into the urban environment that is inherent to building on a brownfield. Nature-inclusive features were given a fundamental role in the design, which created a strong relationship with the immediate environment - a pleasant destination, combined with inviting architecture that contributes to biodiversity.

The sprinkler tank, an innovative nature-inclusive statement, positioned centrally on the property, functions as the largest permanent insect hotel in Europe. Water management was also an essential topic within Hydra Utrecht. We significantly improved water management for people and animals in this project, contributing to climate-resilient area for local residents.

Inspired by the urban environment of Lage Weide.

We turned the sprinkler tank into a unique feature; a huge insect hotel. This interpretation was created by bringing together all the expertise needed to make it work. For example, the architect devised the frame of the tank and the types of plants were chosen by the landscape architect. We have considered the best route for placing this flora, so that it is functional for fauna that live here. The sprinkler tank will be the largest insect hotel in Europe and thus a sign of this nature-inclusive building. Something we are proud of.

Ecologist, Matthijs Bokje
ATKB | The Green Space

As an ecologist, I am involved in the development of the Stellar Development destinations. From an ecological perspective, I will explain what happens when you put up a huge building, and then what it takes to embrace nature. Take the function of the ivy, for example. It is a plant that you can easily grow against a façade and is a nice green solution for an architect, as well as having great ecological value for insects. But the way you do it is crucial. For the growth and maintenance of ivy, a good basis needs to be established in order to provide adequate shelter and nesting opportunities for birds. The installed bat boxes should have enough space and be accessible, vegetation should not cause any hindrance here. The bats will soon benefit from the insects that come to the ivy.

Sustainability is a fundamental part of the Stellar Development brand, as for Hydra Utrecht. Working on a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ score for the development, the starting point here is the ambition to save on energy needs. To achieve this, translucent façade panels were applied, this way more daylight enters the building. Sustainable materials are also used to optimize the building's envelope. For the façade, we used sandwich panels, which are light and also ensure 12% less use of material. 

The concrete & masonry debris from existing buildings on site - traditionally considered as waste - was collected and processed into mixed granulate. We used it as the concrete underlayer for the building’s hall and pavement.

From waste to resource.

Being an architectural builder Heembouw has the perfect starting position to carefully select building materials at an early stage. That choice positively impacts the MPG score - Dutch government’s tool to measure the environmental impact of materials used in the construction. Typically this is used for homes and office buildings, but we are introducing this to our destinations too, resulting in actively lowering its carbon footprint.
As an example, at Hydra Utrecht, we reuse concrete and masonry rubble, which contributes to the improved MPG score, among other things. The government’s MPG standard is 1.0, the Hydra Utrecht destination without solar panels and energy supply comes out to 0.56. That’s 44% below the norm. A wonderful achievement in sustainability.

Director of Industrial Buildings, Rinus Verhey
Heembouw

Electric car charging points are provided at the parking areas for users and visitors, entirely powered by sustainably generated energy and available to everyone. These parking areas are constructed of semi-paved surfaces and accompanied by various types of native plants, shrubs and trees. The entire building is equipped with LED lighting. The rows of LED lights in the aisles are equipped with presence detection sensors, eliminating wasted active hours. With a roof area of nearly 20,000 m², nearly 1,000 households can be supplied with electricity after installation of optional solar panels.

Receive a digital edition  of the Hydra Utrecht book

It has excellent accessibility by road, rail, and water. The A2 highway is less than five minutes from the destination, same as CTU's inland terminal. Schiphol Airport is only thirty minutes away. This ensures perfect positioning between Utrecht, The Hague and Amsterdam, offering an excellent opportunity for parties looking for a state-of-the-art destination for city or regular distribution.

Hydra Utrecht is Centrally located in the Netherlands.

Hydra Utrecht is completed
in Q2 2022. Fully leased to 
Mainfreight.

Hydra Utrecht is
completed in Q2
2022. Fully leased to 
Mainfreight.

Hydra Utrecht

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For Hydra Utrecht, we were responsible for designing a solution that would optimize the water management for the adjacent residential area. Thereby adding value beyond its logistical needs.