2_3_DiscoverBenelux_Issue14_January2015_Scan Magazine 1 26/01/2015 19:18 Page 52

Architecture with an edge Smart, bright and organised – these qualities are key for pleasant and beautiful buildings. They are also the architectural focal points for cepezed. The architect agency based in Delft, the Netherlands, works in an unorthodox manner to create sustainable buildings with innovative materials, flooded in natural light, satisfying every user. TEXT: MYRIAM GWYNNED DIJCK

“The way many structures are still built today is outdated, with bricks, mortar and small windows,” says Ronald Schleurholts, partner  at  cepezed.  “We  do  things  differently. We  use  pre-fabricated  components,  progressive materials from other industries and create  new  products  to  design  pleasant, flexible buildings with low energy usage.”

High IQ construction This  innovative  way  of  working  keeps costs down and creates more successful structures.  “One  tile  could  double  as  a floor, ceiling and sound insulation. We call it a high IQ per kilo, we use materials that work  optimally  in  several  settings,”

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Schleurholts explains. “We don’t build for volume  but  for  quality.  We  really  think about the best solutions, build in an innovative way and create true added-value.” In 1973 cepezed was set up by a group of students during their university course. Through  the  company,  they  designed and built a house as their final year  pro  ject.  Schleurholts  adds:  “It’s  quite  extraordinary  that  they  graduated  with  a completed building – most students just hand in drawn designs!” This entrepreneurial spirit is still a core value at  cepezed,  and  it  has  helped  to  attract

multinational clients from around the world including Porsche, 3M and Microsoft. “Project development is very important to us. We constantly look at other industries, like horticulture  or  transport  and  apply  their materials, techniques and expertise to our projects,” Schleurholts says.

Innovative materials One  example  is  the  so-called  ‘sandwich panels’ used in the cargo walls of lorries. These panels are made of layers of different  materials,  making  them  strong,  light and  highly  insulating.  “They  basically  do the  same  thing  as  a  standard  brick  wall but they are much more compact and way