BIOFOLD x BBN HEADQUARTERS
Bbn's new CO₂-neutral headquarters spotlight BioFold acoustic walls as a key element of their fully circular and sustainable interior. Designed by Ex Interiors, the space embodies circular economy principles. The BioFold elements, crafted from locally sourced hemp and biobased plastics, enhance both acoustics and aesthetics, making sustainable innovation a visible and tangible reality.
Type
Project
Team
Samira Boon, Irene Petrillo, Hidde Tuinte, Caroline Gribnau, Willemijn van Cuijck, Bastien Mestre
In collaboration with
Ex Interiors, Buro Logge, Mats Meubels
Completion
2024
BioFold Awards
Architizer A+Awards 2020
Photography
Alexander van Berge
COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
Many offices promote sustainability, but achieving CO₂ neutrality often remains out of reach. Faced with limited options for CO₂-neutral spaces, bbn chose to take matters into their own hands: "It was disappointing how few CO₂-neutral office options were available. The alternative was to take responsibility ourselves." In collaboration with the building owner, they transformed a 1990s office into a CO₂-neutral workspace, incorporating a wide range of sustainable initiatives, including extensive use of circular and biobased materials.
"Our goal in crafting a healthy and functional workspace for bbn was to blend circularity with comfort. BioFold walls support this vision by incorporating recycled textile waste, creating an inviting atmosphere, and providing unique acoustic benefits."
Odette Ex, Ex Interiors
In BBN's new headquarters, the BioFold acoustic walls complement the high ambition of the fully circular sustainable interior. The CO₂-neutral, fully circular interior, designed by Ex Interiors and supervised by Buro Logge, exemplifies their commitment to sustainability. Every material and element is carefully selected to minimize environmental impact, perfectly aligning with bbn’s dedication to a circular economy. As a consultancy firm for the built environment, bbn's new office serves as an inspiring model for the future of sustainable building and interior design.
As a prime example of sustainable design and circular economy principles, the BioFold walls further reinforce bbn's commitment to sustainability. The hemp used in these panels is locally sourced, significantly reducing the CO₂ footprint from transportation. By combining this hemp with biobased plastics, the resulting BioFold material is both biobased and recyclable.
ACOUSTIC PROPERTIES
In addition to their sustainable qualities, the BioFold elements offer high acoustic performance, enhancing not only the visual appeal of the interior but also creating a calm and productive workspace by improving the acoustic environment.
The installation is not only functional but also brings a sense of nature and warmth to the office spaces. With their organic textures, nature-inspired shapes, and earthy tones, the panels create a natural ambiance, transforming bbn's new headquarters into a space where sustainable innovation is not just a goal but a reality.
“Circular design is at the heart of our new office, and selecting materials that reflect this vision was essential for BBN. The biobased, waste-based, and recyclable BioFold walls play a significant role in achieving these goals.”
Leon Batist, bbn
MORE ABOUT BIOFOLD
BioFold is a unique series of high performance, biobased acoustic elements. It is composed of locally sourced natural fibers and textile waste streams combined with biobased plastics.
Utilizing digital production techniques according to parametrically developed designs based on origami techniques, important qualities are embedded into the biocomposite. Due to the 3-dimensionality, the material acquires flexibility, acoustic- and structural properties. Biofold Acoustic is class A absorption and fire-retardancy is optional.
