Warmtecentrale Nieuw Zuid

The communal thermal power station plays a significant communicative role in the new Nieuw Zuid urban quarter. The task focused on the design of a 50 m high chimney to convey this ecological ideal. Being integrated into the dike between the park and the motorway, the thermal power station combines the advantages of a double-sided location. On the park side, the building welcomes people into the visitor centre with viewing tower, whereas on the motorway side it can fulfil its task of a ‘well-functioning machine’ without interruption. The structure, which injects the necessary stability into the boiler chimneys, is clad with steel plates. As is the case with technical air ducts, the plates are bent diagonally, making them more rigid and stronger. The material and shape give the tower a technical appeal. It becomes an element of the landscape, not unlike a mountainside or rock face. Landscape, building, technique and structure merge into one image.

This text is based on the project text provided by the architects.