EPO European Patent Office, Rijswijk (NL)

Dam & Partners Architecten

The European Patent Office (EPO) Rijswijk (NL)

The European Patent Office (EPO) in Rijswijk near The Hague is a principal branch of the European Patent Organisation and a central location for the granting of European patents in 39 member states.

The new European Patent Office (EPO) building is one of the most striking office buildings in the Netherlands and was completed in 2018. It replaces the previous building from the 1970s and today brings together key functions of the organisation at a single location.

Designed by Ateliers Jean Nouvel in collaboration with Dam & Partners Architecten, the building is conceived as a slender, fully glazed structure with a distinctive landmark character.

The building is characterised by its extremely slender geometry and double-skin glass façade, which fulfils both architectural and climatic functions. The spaces between the façade layers support natural ventilation and daylight control, helping to reduce the building’s energy demand.

Integral ceiling systems as part of the building services planning

A key feature of the project is the high degree of integration of building services (HVAC) into the building structure and interior fit-out. Air ducts and conduits were largely integrated into the floor slabs, resulting in greater architectural clarity and an enhanced spatial effect. This integral approach required precise coordination between the structural framework, interior fit-out and building services.

The ceiling systems play a central role in terms of comfort, design and energy efficiency. HC KP Klimaatplafonds was largely responsible for the supply and installation of large-area heating and cooling ceiling systems in the building. The KLH system was used with Rg 2.5 – 16% perforation.

A particularly distinctive feature of the project is its colour concept. In addition to RAL 9010 and RAL 1006, the ceilings on the first floor incorporate all the colours representing the countries of the European Union. This colourful composition, clearly visible in the reference images, gives this area of the building its unique architectural identity.

Architectural integration and system flexibility

The large-area, modular heating and cooling ceilings were integrated into the architecturally demanding interior design. The ceiling system blends almost invisibly into the architecture while offering a high degree of flexibility for different office and usage zones.

The ceiling systems perform key room-conditioning functions, including thermal comfort through radiant heating and cooling, uniform temperature distribution without draughts, and improved room acoustics – particularly in open-plan office areas. Overall, the project demonstrates how multifunctional ceiling systems can become an integral part of the architecture and building services concept of a modern office building.

Participants

Internal: Bernd Niessen, Jan De Clercq

Client: HCKP Klimaatplafonds B.V.

Architects: Dam & Partners Architecten

Fotos: ©Ossip