Stepstone: a unique project in the Zuidas

Building contributes to biodiversity

The prestigious business district "the Zuidas" in Amsterdam is now home to the "Stepstone" project. This iconic building, designed by LEVS Architects, combines aesthetics with sustainability and functionality. The project is the result of a close collaboration between several parties, including DUCO, ZetaVent, Facedo and Buro Bouwfysica. Together, they have provided innovative façade solutions that meet the high requirements of both the architect and the building physics consultant.

The building manages to find a harmony between affordable rental housing and high-quality apartments. Emphasizing sustainability and integration into the urban environment, the project stands out for its combination of aesthetics and functional innovations. A unique aspect of the design is the integration of nesting boxes for bats and swifts, thus contributing to the building's biodiversity.

Bringing together aesthetics and functionality

LEVS Architects designed a facade in which not only aesthetics but also technical requirements played a crucial role. In addition to meeting stringent requirements for daylighting, spray capacity and soundproofing, the façade also had to provide solutions for natural ventilation. DUCO and ZetaVent worked with Facedo to develop a ventilation system that met the specific requirements of the Stepstone project.

Comfort Boxes

A key solution in this project was the use of comfort boxes in the façade. The comfort boxes integrate Duco Acoustic Panel 150 louvre grilles (DAP 150), which provide both ventilation and soundproofing. Thanks to their slim design, the DAP 150 modules could be incorporated perfectly into the façade profile. DucoGrille G 45 HP diffusers were used to provide an aesthetic finish.

This custom ventilation solution was seamlessly integrated into the comfort boxes. Fresh air can flow in from outside through a grille on the outside of the façade, reaching the house through a window that can be opened. At the same time, the system exhausts polluted air from inside to outside. This ventilation solution contributes to a comfortable and healthy indoor environment without compromising the sleek facade design.

A smooth collaboration

Maikel van Wijk of Facédo explains, "During the design process, we proposed replacing the grilles originally designed in wood with aluminum grilles. This change led to adjustments in the technical principles, but DUCO and ZetaVent provided a solution that met the high demands of the architect and building physics consultants both aesthetically and functionally."

The comfort boxes, including the integrated Duco Acoustic Panel 150 and DucoGrille G 45 HP diffusers, were factory assembled and built into concrete sandwich panels. These panels were then transported to the construction site and stacked modularly without the use of scaffolding. This approach ensured fast and efficient construction, with minimal disruption on site.

The result: durability, speed and quality

Thanks to the innovative collaboration between DUCO, ZetaVent and Facedo, the Stepstone façade was realized quickly and efficiently. The integrated comfort boxes provide a sustainable and aesthetic solution that meets the high requirements of the architect and building physics consultants. Thanks to the clever combination of natural ventilation and soundproofing, residents enjoy a healthy and comfortable indoor climate.

Stepstone hereby sets a new standard in facade solutions on the Zuidas. Thanks to the integration of sustainable technologies, the building is a future-proof example of innovation and quality.