Dutch biocomposite company NPSP, in collaboration with Studio Marco Vermeulen, developed a biobased, nature-inclusive façade, with contains integrated nesting boxes for birds and insects.

The façade of the Innovatie Paviljoen Marineterrein Amsterdam (read more here) is made of NPSP’s Nabasco 8012 material, which you can find in our collection here. The composite is made of local, natural residual flows reed, lime from drinking water companies and partially biobased resin. All ingredients have a low carbon footprint. They are mixed and pressed into a mould to create a strong material suitable for facades. The thermosetting biocomposite can withstand extreme temperatures of between -50°/+150° Celsius. At end-of-life, it can be recycled into a new biocomposite material.

Studio Marco Vermeulen designed the façade panel. It has an organic shape which give the panels their strength and ensure efficient material use with a minimal thickness. The panel is designed it can be rotated 90, 180 and 270 degrees, but always fits neatly with the adjacent panels. It is even possible to use the backside of the panel as the front. This ensures every façade is unique. The panels are available in various colours and are coloured through and through so they can be cut to size.

Some of the panels contain holes of various sizes to house birds and insects. The façade was made in collaboration with Sustainer, which developed the wooden construction system, and the Uitvindersgilde that realized the project. For the project, brick red was the chosen colour, as a reference to the architecture of the Amsterdam School.

Photos: NPSP