Service building NS, Hoofddorp 

NS (Dutch Railways) required a new service building along the railway in Hoofddorp—a facility intended to house service & operations staff, maintenance crews, and cleaning teams.
Due to the location between the tracks, only a slender, elongated structure could be accommodated. For the building’s appearance, we drew inspiration from the iconic tree patterns of the Haarlemmermeer polder landscape. This so-called “polder rhythm” is reflected in the building’s façade composition.

One of the main challenges of this project was the context. Constructing a building between active rail lines is a logistical puzzle in itself, but managing the environmental impact on the building proved even more complex. Vibrations, noise, and even sparks from overhead wires all influenced the material choices. This led to the design of a modular structure with a façade made from pure natural wood composite, both robust and refined.

The interior was designed in accordance with the NS visual identity. Through a series of collaborative workshops with the client, we explored specific needs and ambitions for the new facility.

The result is a resilient and elegant service building, delivered at the end of 2024 by Coare Realisatie, made possible through close co-creation between NS and the Coare Group.