Resilient architecture for a changing climate

Over the past twenty years, Powerhouse Company has been consistently pioneering in sustainable architecture. Namely, the Floating Office Rotterdam (FOR), the world’s largest floating office, is one of their projects that showcases their commitment to climate resilience and innovation. Located in Rotterdam's Rijnhaven, FOR serves as a climate-adaptive workspace for the Global Center on Adaptation and Powerhouse Company itself. Besides being energy-positive and CO2-negative, the building is designed to float if water levels rise due to climate change, making it a truly forward-thinking response to urban climate challenges. Along the way, it has received BREEAM Outstanding certification and has been recognized by several international architectural platforms and awards for its design and sustainability.

Additionally, the Marga Klompé Building is another remarkable project, as it's Europe’s first academic building constructed entirely from solid wood. Completed in 2024 at Tilburg University, this building highlights the potential of sustainable materials to create a climate-resilient, inspiring environment. The design emphasizes energy efficiency and a reduced environmental footprint without making any aesthetic compromises, which has granted it more than five awards, including the School Building of the Year 2024 by Architectenweb.

These projects offer valuable lessons on how urban environments can embrace sustainability while addressing the urgent challenges of climate change.