WKK Energy Plant
Architect: Liesbeth van der Pol
Project: Total energy plant, 6000m3.
Contractor: University of Utrecht, De Uithof, Utrecht
Builder: Heijligers Bouw bv, Amersfoort, Hollandia bv, Krimpen a/d IJssel, Homij bv, Nieuwegein
Location: De Uithof, Limalaan, Utrecht
On an industrial site in Utrecht called De Uithof stand two power stations. Following a recent decision to increase the capacity of these power stations, their volume was to be extended to 6,000 m3. The new building was planned next to the existing plant in the south-eastern corner of the site. The size and construction of the building are largely determined by the technical requirements. The building is completely covered in order to keep noise pollution to a minimum. A skin of steel is folded over the machinery and the giant filters and dampers. The building has space for people to work, with facilities like toilets and showers, but not an inch of space is wasted. The building has a sculptural role in the landscape. Its striking form is emphasized by the self-supporting steel skin. The skin is kept separate from the engine rooms to prevent the vibrations caused by low frequency sound in the gas turbines. This gives the building a box-within-a-box construction. The rigidity and strength of the material comes from the steel itself, and this can only be achieved by folding the material. The form then becomes the construction and the folds form the frame of the building.
