Green Carbon Factory

For the Green Carbon Factory, we have developed a sustainable and nature-inspired architectural design. With this design, we aimed to visually and ecologically integrate the factory into the local environment, with a strong focus on enhancing biodiversity.

YEAR
2024 - NOW

CLIENT
GREEN CARBON FACTORY

TYPE OF WORK
BIOMIMICRY, ARCHITECTURE

COLLABORATION
MADE POSSIBLE BY: CREATIEF ARNHEM, GEMEENTE ARNHEM

"Our goal was to create a place where technology and nature meet to regenerate both energy and biodiversity."

Telling the Story of Biochar Through Design

The Green Carbon Factory is an innovative, small-scale facility that produces green energy and biochar. It contributes to the energy transition by reducing the demand on the power grid from large consumers and mitigating grid congestion. A key aim of the design was to make the factory’s process tangible by embedding the story of biochar production into both the materials and the architectural forms. Wood — the primary resource used in the pyrolysis process — is incorporated throughout the design in meaningful ways. Sustainable, locally sourced wood is applied as cladding, charred wood (yakisugi) provides natural protection, and the microscopic structure of biochar is reinterpreted into insect shelters and protective elements for gas storage. Each material and design feature tells a part of this process story, highlighting the harmony between technology, functionality, aesthetics, and nature.

Design Highlights

Roof Structure: A lightweight steel structure based on fractal patterns found in trees. This provides a strong and stable framework with a natural appearance, finished with a green sedum roof that promotes biodiversity.
Temporary Biochar Storage: Clad with sustainable materials such as Platowood and yakisugi (charred wood). These claddings visually reference the pyrolysis process and strengthen the connection between technology and nature.
Pyrolysis Installation: Enclosed with 3D-printed tiles made from recycled limestone, inspired by the microscopic structure of biochar. These tiles not only provide protection but also serve as insect shelters, contributing to biodiversity.
Heat Pumps: Aluminum foam panels are used as heatsinks to convert residual heat into subtle, organic lighting. This dynamic lighting changes throughout the day and night, making the building appear to "breathe" with its environment.
Chimney: A 3D-printed concrete structure with integrated plants, transforming an industrial element into a symbol of greening.
Gas Storage: Perforated panels with patterns inspired by biochar provide safe shielding and air circulation while visually aligning with the overall design.