CAH University of Applied Science

The new CAH Vilentum agriculture graduate school represents the actual integration of countryside and urban life and the important role of the green industry in today’s society. This school is integrated in a glass greenhouse (height: 16 meters) equipped with a highly innovative climate control system. This system causes the whole design to achieve a high performance level of sustainability, both in terms of energy consumption, materials and residues as in the field of social climate. The 2,275 m2 warm wood façade panels by Hunter Douglas contrast with the cool glass. By combining three different wood species (American ash wood, South-American cambara and Asian merbau) with varying thickness and mixed light and dark Shades create a special effect.

The design for the CAH in Dronten, the Netherlands, is based upon a exceptional energetic and architectural concept.

The entire building for advanced education is placed within a 16 meters high glasshouse, which refers to the kind of education. This has great advantages on the field of energy consumption and exploitation and results in extra space for a more informal way of education.

The two buildings for education are placed in the glasshouse and are connected to each other on the ground floor. Two big stairs on each side of the building leads you to the inner plaza on the first floor. The classrooms, auditoria and the offices are placed in the two buildings, the stairs and the plaza are meant as places where student and teacher can meet en discuss with each other.

Sustainability The space between the buildings and the glasshouse functions like an air duct, which is regulated by a smart climate system. By using proved technologies form the green-house sector, like the solar blinds and the printed glass panels, the need for active cooling in the summer is limited. The rainwater is collected and being re-used for the toilets and cleaning of the building.

Protection The cladding of the two educational buildings consists of wooden slats in different sizes and colours. The protection of the glasshouse against the weather has great benefits for the detailing and maintenance of the facade. Part of the facade is covered with plants that contribute to the quality of the air in the building.