Trespa® Netherlands Project of the Month (March)
The architectural team from Sweco Architects Norge has been awarded the Trespa and ArchiComm Nederland Project of the Month for their outstanding transformation of the Technische Unie distribution hub in Alphen aan den Rijn. Selected from a wide array of buildings, the project stood out for its innovative facade design, where the thoughtful application of Trespa® Meteon® Wood Decors, a high-performance HPL (High-Pressure Laminate) solution, demonstrated how strategic material choices can elevate both the functionality and aesthetic value of a building.
Located at the intersection of Eikenlaan and Industrieweg, the distribution centre now features a layered, diagonally orientated façade that creates visual depth while bridging the gap between an industrial zone and nearby residential developments. The result is a facade that not only performs in terms of durability and low maintenance but also sets a new benchmark in contemporary exterior architecture.
A Façade with Purpose and Precision
From the very beginning, the project team, comprising Technische Unie, Sweco Architects Norge (Logistics and Industrial Real Estate division), Frank Aan De Stegge, and Saambouw bv, was aligned on a shared vision: to create a facade that could withstand time, weather, and architectural monotony. Positioned between a dynamic industrial environment and a growing residential area, the site called for a design that would soften this urban transition while preserving visual integrity.
The chosen architectural strategy employed a diagonally orientated facade composition, brought to life through large, glazed elements and rhythmically placed Trespa® Meteon® panels. This approach introduced architectural depth and visual movement, breaking down the building’s mass into more human scaled segments. The use of wood look HPL panels added texture and warmth without compromising on performance or longevity.
“Trespa offered the aesthetic of timber slats without the maintenance burden traditional wood often brings,” says Maikel Brokken, Project Manager at Sweco.
“It perfectly complements the industrial identity of the building while delivering a polished architectural finish.”
Materiality That Elevates Exterior Architecture
The success of the facade design hinged on selecting materials that could balance aesthetic intent with technical performance. For a 20-metre-high structure exposed to the elements, durability and low maintenance were non negotiable. Trespa® Meteon® HPL panels offered the ideal solution, combining weather resistance, impact strength, and design flexibility.
The warm, wood look finish of Meteon® Wood Decors added texture and depth to the facade, enhancing its architectural rhythm while maintaining the building’s industrial character. The result is a visually refined yet robust exterior, where materiality becomes a defining design element.
Sustainability, Engineered into the Façade
Sustainability was integrated from the outset. Trespa® Meteon® panels, known for their 30+ year lifespan, played a major role. Their vandal-resistant, low-maintenance surface reduces operational demands, enhancing efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Trespa® panels support reuse and disassembly at end of life, aligning with circular building strategies. Integrating Trespa® Meteon® achieved refined architecture and provided a high performing, sustainable solution reflecting the priorities of modern exterior architecture.
Craftsmanship at Height
At 20 metres high, the building’s facade posed unique challenges during construction. With a sharp eye for detail, Saambouw bv executed the angled facade orientation with precision, optimising both material usage and visual rhythm. The result is a bold yet balanced architectural gesture, where the envelope becomes both a functional shield and an expressive surface.
As Thomas Zweers of SaamBouw described it as,“We’re wrapping the building like a gift.” And the craftsmanship speaks for itself.
Setting a New Standard in Façade Design
This project shows what’s possible when architectural vision meets the right materials. The Technische Unie distribution hub is more than a logistics centre; it’s a benchmark for modern facade design, where sustainability, performance, and aesthetic excellence converge.
🔗 Explore Trespa® Meteon® Wood Decors Bring your next facade project to life with durable, expressive HPL panels designed for exterior architecture.
Order a Trespa sample here or visit our website www.trespa.com.
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