Carbon Stories : Architects Taking Sustainable Initiatives

The transition to a sustainable Dutch construction sector is gaining momentum and architects are playing a central role. The most impactful projects embed sustainability from the very beginning, setting a new standard for futureproof design. In this edition, architects Joost Verbeek (architecten|en|en), Tim Kouthoofd (Bygg Architecture & Design), and Oresti Sarafopoulos and John Bosch (OZ Architects) join the conversation. Together, they will share insights from two groundbreaking projects that are redefining sustainable architecture in the Netherlands. 

Salix – A biobased and cooperative residential tower in Eindhoven designed by architecten|en|en and Bygg Architecture & Design, currently in final design phase. This project explores new models of vertical living, integrating a CLT structure with load-bearing straw facades, proposing a radical yet elegant solution for low-impact urban housing.

Our New Office – A low-tech and biobased office in Amsterdam designed by OZ, also in final design phase. This office design brings the 2226 principles of Baumschlager Eberle into the Dutch context, aiming for energy efficiency through passive design strategies without compromising architectural expression.

EVENT REPORT

What happens when architects take the initiative themselves? During this edition of Carbon Stories, we saw how vision, courage and collaboration can lead to pioneering sustainable architecture.

Want to maximize biobased materials but don’t have a developer yet? That didn’t stop Joost Verbeek from architecten|en|en and Tim Kouthoofd from Bygg Architecture & Design from entering a development tender for a residential building in Eindhoven. By fully shaping the initiative under their own direction, they created the innovative proposal – both socially and in terms of material use – for SALIX. The municipality of Eindhoven selected their plan as the only one to advance to the final round, on the condition that a developing partner would still be added to the team. That partner was found in EARTH Y. A bold move by the architects and a clear choice by both the municipality and the developer!

Why have we come to rely so heavily on technology to make our buildings comfortable? And are they truly comfortable? Let’s look back at centuries of design and construction using biobased materials and thermal mass. BENG (Nearly Energy Neutral Building)? Without installations? That doesn’t work! Or does it? Oresti Sarafopoulos and John Bosch of OZ Architect demonstrate with ONO that an alternative to BENG—offering equivalent comfort in a different way—is indeed possible. That the 2226 principle from Baumschlager Eberle can be realized in the Netherlands. It requires perseverance, persuasive power, and the right creative interpretation of regulations!

An inspiring evening, clearly showing: real sustainability starts with design. And that starts with architects taking responsibility.

Photography by Sabine van der Vooren

SPEAKERS

Joost Verbeek
Architect & Partner at architecten|en|en

Joost Verbeek is an architect and partner at architecten|en|en, an architecture and engineering practice in Eindhoven, at the heart of Brainport. His work focuses on living environments, from the transformation of existing buildings to the development of new, sustainable communities. “Designing the world of tomorrow” reflects his exploration of climate-positive architecture, guided by the question of how sustainability can be not only necessary, but also appealing and attainable. He aims to integrate biobased, circular, and nature-inclusive principles as a foundation for resilient and inclusive places to live.

Tim Kouthoofd
Architect & Partner at Bygg Architecture & Design

Tim studied Architecture at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). During and after his studies, he worked as a designer and researcher at BouwhulpGroep, gaining hands-on experience with resolving issues in existing housing and the impact those have on residents’ health and comfort of living.
As an architect and founder of Bygg (est. 2010), he has always placed the user at the heart of his work. Bygg brings together architecture, public space, and social design, resulting in a wide scope of projects with a strong focus on sustainability, biobased and circular solutions, and participatory design with users and stakeholders.

Oresti Sarafopoulos
Architect & Partner at OZ

Als architect, wandelend door steden, ervaar ik dat het steeds drukker en warmer wordt. Door gebouwen duurzamer en haalbaarder te maken, realiseerde ik me dat vertrouwen in technische installaties averechts werkt. Ik maak het verschil met een natuurlijke eenvoud zoals ONO, door mechanische installaties radicaal te reduceren en gebouwen menselijker te maken en meer in contact te brengen met de natuur.
OZ is een internationaal architectenbureau met meer dan 35 jaar ervaring. We zijn trots op ons vakmanschap en werken vanuit een onderzoekende, nuchtere houding. Zonder vooropgezette ideeën creëren we eigentijdse architectuur die de complexiteit van het leven omarmt en de omgeving verrijkt.

John Bosch
Architect & Partner at OZ

The city is in constant transformation. The Amsterdam I grew up in was a different city in every way than it is today. How do we shape these forces into new spatial opportunities? How do we reduce the ecological footprint of our buildings? As architects we should be in the center of these debates, using our skills in architecture, urbanism, landscape in innovative ideas. We must create concepts and typologies unique in time and place. Context to me, is everything.

OZ is an international architecture practice with more than 35 years’ experience. We take pride in our craftsmanship and work from an investigative down-to-earth-attitude. Without preconceived ideas create modern architecture that embraces the complexity of life and enriches its environment.

PRACTICAL INFO

Carbon Stories : Architects taking sustainable initiatives
Date: Thursday 25 September 2025, 19:30-21:30
Location: Keilepand Rotterdam
Language: English
Moderator: Geert Maarse

Carbon Stories is a collaboration between GROUP A | CARBONLAB, International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam, KeileCollectief and Klimaat Academie Rotterdam.