The Dutch Mountains: a revolution in urban-scale timber construction

In the heart of the Dutch city of Eindhoven, an ambitious and innovative project promises to redefine urban architecture and the use of wood in large-scale construction. "The Dutch Mountains"(Dutch Mountains) is not just a building, but a statement about the future of sustainable construction and a 'living room' for the whole city.

Project context

Located in Eindhoven's train station area, the project is part of the wider development of "Internationale Knoop XL", an initiative to transform the area into a vibrant and modern neighborhood. The Dutch Mountains is strategically located, connecting the campus of the Technical University Eindhoven (TU/e) with the city center, next to the Dommel River.

Eindhoven, known as the center of Brainport - an innovation ecosystem in the high-tech industry - provides the perfect backdrop for such a visionary project. The Dutch Mountains will be an exponent of the region's innovative spirit, combining design, technology and solutions for today's social challenges.

Architecture and design

The project consists of two impressive towers, 130 and 100 meters high respectively, connected by a 'sail' - a sloping roof construction that gives the ensemble a slender appearance. The two towers will become landmarks visible from much of Eindhoven and the surrounding area.

Key design features include:

• A green inner courtyard that continues the character of Dommel Valley Park
• Loggias built into towers to provide outdoor space, views and light
• A wide staircase with seating leading to a first-floor lobby designed as an interior garden

Innovative use of wood

What really sets this project apart is the extensive use of wood in construction. A significant part of the building will be made of "bio-based" materials, with an emphasis on the use of solid timber elements for the main supporting structure.

The benefits of using wood in this project include:

1. Carbon sequestration: The wood used will fix an impressive amount of CO2 in the long term.
2. Sustainability: As a renewable resource, wood offers a sustainable alternative to conventional materials.
3. Energy efficiency: The natural insulating properties of wood will contribute to the energy efficiency of the building.
4. Well-being: The presence of wood in the built environment has been associated with health and well-being benefits for occupants.

Program and functionalities

The Dutch Mountains will be a multifunctional space, offering:

1. Housing (17.800 m²): About 200 dwellings, ranging from studios to larger apartments.
2. Office space (16,100 m²): flexible offices and co-working spaces.
3. Accommodation (9.700 m²): a hotel with about 160 rooms and 50 apartments for short stays.
4. Meeting facilities (10,600 m²): including a conference room with a capacity of 500-1000 people, meeting rooms, event spaces and catering facilities.

The project will also include a restaurant, a fitness center, a rooftop bar with panoramic views and retail space.

Sustainability and innovation

In addition to using wood, The Dutch Mountains incorporates many sustainable features:

• Natural climate control to minimize energy consumption
• Rainwater harvesting for irrigating green spaces
• Solar panels on different parts of the building
• Promoting health through green spaces, fresh air, healthy food and sports facilities

Mobility and accessibility

With a focus on public transport and sustainable mobility, the project is located next to Eindhoven's central station and bus station. It will include:

• Bicycle and pedestrian facilities
• A 163-space underground parking lot, predominantly for electric vehicles
• A hub for shared and electric transportation (cars, bikes and scooters)

First article only

The Dutch Mountains is not just a building, but a vision for the future of sustainable urbanism. By demonstrating the feasibility of using wood on such a scale in the urban environment, this project has the potential to inspire a new generation of sustainable building worldwide.

That's why we will continue to follow the progress of this project closely and invite you to stay with us to discover how this ambitious vision is turning into reality. Although a project with a longer timeline, we hope that our next materials will include updates on the construction progress, interviews with the designers and engineers involved, as well as detailed analysis of the innovative construction techniques used. It doesn't hurt to "Follow" us on our social media channels to stay up to date.