![Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/05/dezeen_Rijkswaterstaat-Assen-by-24H-architecture-2.jpg)
Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H Architecture
Rotterdam studio 24H Architecture has completed this office building in the Netherlands that has a solid concrete and asphalt south facade and a patterned timber north facade.
![Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/05/dezeen_Rijkswaterstaat-Assen-by-24H-architecture-1.jpg)
The building, named Rijkswaterstaat Assen, is located between woodland and a highway with the contrasting elevations intended to mediate between the two.
![Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/05/dezeen_Rijkswaterstaat-Assen-by-24H-architecture-3.jpg)
Rainwater from the accessible terraced roof is directed to drain over parts of the grey stone, encouraging moss and plants to grow on the building.
![Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/05/dezeen_Rijkswaterstaat-Assen-by-24H-architecture-4.jpg)
More on Dutch architecture and interiors on Dezeen »
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More stories about offices on Dezeen »
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The following information is from the architects:
Project Text - General
For Rijkswaterstaat, who are building and maintaining highways, waterways and nature, 24H-architecture designed the new districts head office along the highway in Assen, The Netherlands.
![Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/05/dezeen_Rijkswaterstaat-Assen-by-24H-architecture-7.jpg)
The ambition of the client and the architect was to create a sustainable building that explicitly shows the identity of Rijkswaterstaat.
![Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/05/dezeen_Rijkswaterstaat-Assen-by-24H-architecture-8.jpg)
The concept was developed with the idea to represent their three core activities and also integrate the typical ingredients of the site:
![Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/05/dezeen_Rijkswaterstaat-Assen-by-24H-architecture-9.jpg)
The south facade of the building is brutally solid.
![Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/05/dezeen_Rijkswaterstaat-Assen-by-24H-architecture-10.jpg)
Through its mass and its horizontal openings, the wall will block the heat of the sun and at the same time stop the noise of the next door highway.
![Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/05/dezeen_Rijkswaterstaat-Assen-by-24H-architecture-11.jpg)
The facade, made of concrete and asphalt with lines and patterns, is an abstract representation of a highway.
![Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/05/dezeen_Rijkswaterstaat-Assen-by-24H-architecture-16.jpg)
As the rainwater is directed from the roof over the facade, in time, the facade will become green as moss and plants will start growing.
![Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/05/dezeen_Rijkswaterstaat-Assen-by-24H-architecture-17.jpg)
This way all 3 aspects of Rijkswaterstaat (road, water and green) are represented in this facade, that will develop in time.
![Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/05/dezeen_Rijkswaterstaat-Assen-by-24H-architecture-18.jpg)
At the north facade a light wooden construction creates maximum flexibility and openness.
![Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/05/dezeen_Rijkswaterstaat-Assen-by-24H-architecture-19.jpg)
This facade and its wooden beams form the base for the open layout of the office and the central void where employees of Rijkswaterstaat can meet and exchange knowledge; the social durability of the building.
![Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/05/dezeen_Rijkswaterstaat-Assen-by-24H-architecture-20.jpg)
The green roof terrace also provides the possibility to gather.
![Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/05/dezeen_Rijkswaterstaat-Assen-by-24H-architecture-21.jpg)
The design team looked for the best integration of all disciplines.
![Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/05/dezeen_Rijkswaterstaat-Assen-by-24H-architecture-22.jpg)
All technical facilities are integrated into the prefabricated wooden walls and floors.
![Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/05/dezeen_Rijkswaterstaat-Assen-by-24H-architecture-12.jpg)
This way an effective building time as well as a maximum of space is realised.
![Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/05/dezeen_Rijkswaterstaat-Assen-by-24H-architecture-13.jpg)
The wooden floor will be directly used as a ceiling and the air will flow through the Climalevel system directly into the offices.
![Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/05/dezeen_Rijkswaterstaat-Assen-by-24H-architecture-14.jpg)
With the Thermal Energy Storage, solar panels on the roof and the use of fsc certified wood, the building gets a class A level in the Greencalc calculation method and could also be classified as a BREEAM Excellent building.
![Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture Rijkswaterstaat Assen by 24H architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/05/dezeen_Rijkswaterstaat-Assen-by-24H-architecture-15.jpg)