Lelystad, Netherlands
2023 - 2026
BESTSELLER Logistics Center West
Our concept for BESTSELLER's new logistics hub – Europe’s largest timber logistics center – embraces biogenic building materials such as wood and straw, and features landscape design intended to increase the site’s biodiversity by 10%; with artificial wetland surrounding the building and a meadow cultivated on its roof.
Project details
Client
BESTSELLER
Status
Located in Lelystad, on the Dutch island of Flevopolder, our design for BESTSELLER's 155,000 m²/1,668,400 ft² Logistics Center West (LCW) honors the area’s surrounding landscape, which is characterized by wetlands and forests.
“The design of Logistics Center West represents a fundamental change in how we imagine this typology. It’s a result of a united client and consultancy team committed to creating a design that is visually stunning, carbon efficient and has a positive impact on biodiversity,” says Eva Ravnborg, Country Market Director, Partner, Henning Larsen.
Built primarily of mass timber, straw, and other biogenic materials, the building aims to maximize resource use, minimize waste, and increase biodiversity.
“The design of Logistics Center West represents a fundamental change in how we imagine this typology. It’s a result of a united client and consultancy team committed to creating a design that is visually stunning, carbon efficient and has a positive impact on biodiversity.”
Eva Ravnborg
Country Market Director, Partner
Designing for biodiversity net-gain
Our landscape design for the project includes the creation of an artificial wetland surrounding the building and a cultivated meadow on the roof. Both elements are intended to increase native animal and plant life while offering educational opportunities for employees and visitors, embodying respect for the site’s natural surroundings.
“Our commitment to preserving and enhancing the natural environment goes beyond aesthetics; it's about fostering ecological variety and creating a sustainable ecosystem,” says Sonja Stockmarr, Global Design Director of Landscape. “With over 40% of the site dedicated to its landscape, we are not just building a logistics center; we are nurturing an environment that thrives with diverse native species, wetlands, and green spaces.”
The constructed wetland habitat will envelop a significant portion of the site, fostering microhabitats through varied landscaping that supports and increases the diversity of native species. Featuring varied topography to establish open water spaces, transitional zones, and damp meadows, this landscape design reflects our commitment to embracing rather than erasing the natural habitats that are already there.
Benefitting from an integrated landscape
On the 30,000 m² (322,900 ft²) roof, a cultivated meadow will include various planting beds, small fruit trees, and blooming bushes, providing a serene escape for employees while attracting and supporting a range of local species. This space is intended not only to enhance the building's biophilic qualities, but also to absorb CO2, filter air pollutants, and mitigate heat absorption, resulting in a comfortable and energy-efficient working environment.
The garden's topography will accommodate a network of trees and green pockets that also offer shaded seating and scenic spots for outdoor gatherings. Designed for an optimized micro-climate and the prevention of Urban Heat Island Effect; the spaces are expected to extend the duration of outdoor comfort by more than two months over the course of spring and autumn.
Green façades will enhance the presence and experience of nature, with plants growing through the latticework created by the structure of the building. Utilizing LCW’s substantial vertical spaces, the façades, along with the wetlands and forests, will provide one of the site’s largest habitats.
In order to promote healthy water ecology, the structure will include an optimized irrigation system. This feature will not only safeguard against flooding and prevent contamination of the local water system, but it will also enable roof-sourced stormwater to be efficiently recycled for internal building use.
"With over 40% of the site dedicated to its landscape, we are not just building a logistics center; we are nurturing an environment that thrives with diverse native species, wetlands, and green spaces."
A place where nature and people can thrive
Of the design challenges of LCW was the combination of logistics and office space. To create an atmosphere that prioritizes employee well-being and enables a range of functions across scales, our design emphasizes flexibility and the integration of nature into the workspace. Abundant natural light will flood the timber interiors, enhancing focus and improving efficiency.
Opportunities for employees to interact with the natural world have been created throughout the design. These include the building’s roof, as well as a boardwalk meandering through the artificial wetlands. Incorporating plant identification, informative diagrams, and seating areas in and amidst nature, this space will serve both as a scenic route and an educational experience. Other areas will be off limits to people, protecting delicate ecosystems from human impact.
Contact
All contacts
Country Market Director, Partner
Simon Ingvartsen
Design Director, Architect MAA
Senior Landscape Architect
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