The best of the best: BREEAM Awards 2024 winners

The most innovative and sustainable building design on the journey to reach net-zero carbon was honoured recently.

Best New Construction – Residential Project

HAUT Amsterdam, Netherlands

Haut is a 21-storey residential building pioneering the use of cross-laminated timber (CLT). It is not only a landmark in Amsterdam, but a global exemplar in the construction of hybrid timber high-rises. It is the first residential high-rise in the Netherlands to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding certification.

Haut showcases how cutting-edge design can harmonise with environmental responsibility. It is one of the tallest mass-timber buildings in the world, with 52 apartments, and commercial units on the ground floor.

The main structure comprises CLT walls and floors combined with a concrete core and foundation, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. Notable sustainability features include solar panels on the facade, rooftop gardens with rainwater storage and smart-home automation systems. The design also incorporates approximately 100 bird and bat nests in the facade, supporting local biodiversity.

Haut, set for completion this year, was designed by Team V Architecture and Arup. The project faced significant sustainability challenges, particularly with the use of mass timber in high-rise construction. Ensuring fire safety and acoustics compliance required extensive engineering and innovation, and the glass facade added complexity.

The team had to develop and implement new techniques to meet stringent requirements, while also ensuring the building’s aesthetic and functional goals were met. They worked closely with experts in timber construction and used advanced simulation tools to model and optimise the building’s performance.

The team ultimately proved the feasibility of high-rise timber buildings with striking architecture.

Best New Construction – Non-Residential Project

Unilever Hive, Netherlands

Unilever’s Hive is a state-of-the-art research and development facility on the Wageningen University campus in the Netherlands. Designed to foster collaboration and innovation, it is a prime example of sustainable architecture that supports Unilever’s vision of reducing its environmental footprint while driving positive social impact.

Hive is designed to facilitate collaboration between Unilever, researchers, students, startups and consumers. The building includes a light-filled atrium with a skylight and a wide wooden staircase, enhancing the sense of openness and connectivity. Hive achieved BREEAM Outstanding certification for both its design and construction.

One challenge was ensuring that the building could support diverse functions, such as laboratories, kitchens and office spaces, each with distinct environmental and operational requirements. The design and construction teams employed advanced simulation tools and adopted a highly integrated design approach to balance these needs without compromising energy efficiency or user comfort.

Another challenge was achieving flexibility and future-proofing to accommodate technological advances and evolving user needs. Modular design principles ensure the structure can be easily modified or expanded.

Sustainability features include an energy-neutral building envelope, maximum material efficiency, circularity, over 1,800 photovoltaic panels, climate ceilings providing efficient heating and cooling, and a facade designed for optimal daylight and energy efficiency.

Best Refurbishment and Fit-out Project

The Northcliffe, UK

The Northcliffe, a historic building in the heart of London built in 1925, has undergone a remarkable transformation. The client, DWS Grundbesitz, sought to preserve the building’s Grade II-listed facade while creating a flagship for sustainable office space. John Robertson Architects led the design.

As the Northcliffe needed to adhere to stringent sustainability goals, the team focused on preserving the original facade and reconfiguring the interior to provide modern amenities. This included relocating the main entrance, creating new atrium spaces, and adding three landscaped roof terraces to promote biodiversity.

Achieving the highest sustainability credentials while retaining and enhancing the building’s heritage fabric presented significant challenges. The team had to work within the limitations of the retained structure, which prevented big structural alterations, especially to improve ventilation and daylight.

To overcome these constraints, the design team focused on strong performance in waste management, recycling of materials, and innovative design solutions. Solar panels and air-source heat pumps were installed, as well as a heat-recovery chiller and real-time air-quality monitoring, with sensors on every floor.

Best In-Use Non-Residential Building

CTP Clubhaus, Romania

The CTP Clubhaus in Romania is a prime example of how industrial facilities can integrate sustainability and community-focused amenities.

The Clubhaus is a community centre within CTPark Bucharest West, designed to support the tenants of the largest industrial park in Europe while enhancing local residents’ quality of life by providing a range of facilities open to all.

CTP aimed to set a high standard for sustainability with this project, which has achieved the highest BREEAM International In-Use score globally, setting a benchmark for sustainability in the industrial sector and an example for other developers.

Several innovative technologies and sustainable design features were incorporated in the asset. Photovoltaic panels were installed to power air-source heat pumps and the area was landscaped with mature trees, shrubs, flowers and a vineyard, enhancing the site’s ecological value. Green roofs, bird nests, feeders and insect hotels promote biodiversity.

The design focused on community and wellbeing, providing amenities for people working in the industrial park and nearby villages, including barbecue facilities, fitness equipment and electric-vehicle charging stations. A medical centre, amphitheatre and retail store foster social interaction.

Best  In-Use Residential Building

Mark e.o. HUIZEN, Netherlands

Mark Huizen is a prominent residential building in North Holland, Netherlands. ASR Real Estate, the owner, has successfully transformed this asset. The refurbishment project was driven by the desire to surpass current environmental standards by improving energy efficiency, enhancing resident comfort and minimising the building’s ecological footprint.

Retrofitting an existing building with new energy management systems and renewable energy sources required careful planning and execution. Implementing advanced water-saving fixtures in an existing structure posed logistical challenges, necessitating innovative solutions. Ensuring high indoor air quality required meticulous selection and installation processes.

Minimising disruption to residents during the refurbishment was also critical to maintaining occupant satisfaction and comfort throughout.

The project included several innovative and sustainable features, such as the implementation of a comprehensive energy management system, the installation of solar panels to provide clean, renewable energy, the installation of high-efficiency systems to improve indoor air quality, and the enhancement of green spaces with native planting to support local biodiversity.

People’s Choice BREEAM Award

Fugro New HQ, Netherlands

Fugro’s new international headquarters in Nootdorp, Netherlands, which includes offices, laboratories for geotechnical soil testing and sports facilities, represents a high point of sustainable design and construction, and achieved a BREEAM Outstanding rating.

Fugro, a leading geodata specialist, wanted an energy-neutral building that would exceed current environmental standards and reflect the group’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Energy efficiency, water conservation, biodiversity enhancement and material sustainability were prioritised.

The building is energy neutral, utilising a thermal energy storage system with heat pumps and photovoltaic (PV) panels on facades and roofs to generate all required energy on site.

New low-carbon PV panels, locally produced in the Netherlands, were used, which have a much lower carbon footprint than conventional panels. An advanced water management system collects and reuses almost all rainwater.

Extensive gardens and roof gardens create a connection between the workspace and nature, enhancing biodiversity and providing a pleasant working environment.

Employees are encouraged to use public transport or cycle, as there are large changing rooms, shower facilities and bike racks.