Minister Schulz van Haegen opens new KWR building

‘The quality of our drinking water is among the best in the world,’ said the Minister of Infrastructure and the Environment, Schultz van Haegen, in September during her address for the opening of KWR’s new building. ‘But this can never be taken for granted: we are constantly in need of new knowledge. This calls for pioneers who have a sense of urgency. This is where KWR is an extremely reliable and indispensable partner. With this new building, KWR has everything in-house to remain the brain of our delta.’

Open and transparant

KWR’s new and flexible building contributes to the research institute’s ambitions. Architects cepezed created the open and transparent office space, while West8 was responsible for the landscape design. Visitors are immediately struck by the cascade when entering the building. This large, stepped open space is an invitation to seek each other out and work together. The walls of the chemical and microbiology research labs are entirely of glass, which allows colleagues and visitors to freely view the specialised work that goes on behind them.

Driving the circular economy

Wim van Vierssen, KWR’s CEO, was honoured by the minister’s visit. ‘Her presence underscores our role in the national knowledge infrastructure: to provide the Dutch water companies, in an organised fashion, with the knowledge they need to supply reliable and safe drinking water. We aspire – within the Water Top Sector programme as well – to be a “booster” of a circular economy, which is one of the priorities set for the Dutch presidency of the EU in 2016.’

Video – 01:18

Opening KWR-gebouw