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Knoest: Biobased Living in the Green Heart of Pijnacker (NL)

Function: Housing

Client: Janssen de Jong project development

Year: June 2025

Gross floor area: 3,100 m2

FSI/GSI/OSR: 4.5/0.5/0.20

Paris Proof indicator: 58 kg CO2eq, per m2 or GFA

MPG score: 0.34

Appartementencomplex de Kiem, een nieuwe woonwijk in Pijnacker met diverse woningtypen in een groene, waterrijke omgeving. Ongeveer 40% van het gebied is ingericht voor natuur en biodiversiteit, als verbinding tussen stad en landschap

Sustainable Living in the Green Heart of Pijnacker

In Knoest, a new housing project in Pijnacker, sustainability, timber construction and nature-inclusive living come together. This green residential area forms a natural transition between city and landscape, with 40% of the space reserved for greenery and water. This creates a pleasant living environment with a lot of attention to biodiversity.

Timber construction as a basis for healthy living

The last part of this neighborhood was designed by Urban Climate Architects, with an open and inviting residential building that blends perfectly into the natural surroundings. The staggered balconies strengthen the connection with the green, while the façade — made of biobased materials — contrasts with the brick architecture of the surrounding buildings.

CLT Circular and CO₂ storage in one

The five-story building consists entirely of massive timber construction. This innovative building system ensures a warm, healthy living quality and really brings biobased construction to life. The wood stores CO₂, makes sustainable construction tangible and forms the basis for a future-proof residential building.

With this circular approach, Knoest shows how building solid wood is not just a choice of materials, but a powerful step towards Paris Proof living and a new standard in timber architecture Netherlands.

Biodiversity and nature-inclusive construction

The ground floor connects seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Nest boxes, bee hotels and native plants enrich biodiversity and ensure a healthy balance between people and nature. This project shows how architecture and ecology can go hand in hand.

A place for everyone

Knoest offers 29 apartments from 65 m² to 110 m², suitable for various residents. Here you live sustainably, in harmony with nature and with an eye for the future.

Building a sustainable future together

With our partners Janssen de Jong Bouw | a JAJO company, Revolve Concepts | a JAJO company, JM Concepts B.V. and Van Zanten Bouw BV | a JAJO company, we work passionately on innovative and future-proof living solutions. Knoest is proof that sustainable timber construction and modern living go hand in hand perfectly.

Pictures by: ©egbertdeboer.com

Contact for more information

Dennis Hauer
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Knoest biobased living in the Green Heart

In the Green Heart of Pijnacker, Knoest creates a place where nature and architecture reinforce each other. Here comes biobased construction to life. Not a standard residential area, but a warm community where material, landscape and people come together. If timber construction architect we design one here transformation of an existing building and new construction in balance with the environment. With sustainable construction we create homes that are not only beautiful but also future-proof.

See the full project
https://www.ucarchitects.com/projects/knoest-biobased-wonen-in-het-groene-hart-van-pijnacker-nl

See all projects
https://www.ucarchitects.com/projects

Timber construction as a carrier of quality

Sustainable construction only really gains strength when we opt for wood. In Knoest, we work with CLT construction Netherlands, building solid wood country engineered timber buildings NL. This form of timber architecture Netherlands ensures a warm, healthy living environment, low CO2 emissions and fast, efficient construction.

Read more about timber construction and CLT
https://www.builtenvironment.nl/houtbouw

Discover the possibilities of CLT construction Netherlands
https://www.clt-s.nl

If timber construction homes architect we make the future tangible in every line.

Circular construction with respect for what is there

Knowest shows how circular construction in the Netherlands works in practice. Existing structures are used, materials are given a second life and the design remains flexible for the future.

Read more about circular construction in the Netherlands
https://circulairebouweconomie.nl

Immerse yourself in the circular economy
https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org

If building transformation architect we look beyond new construction and see opportunities in what is already there.

Nature-inclusive and climate-adaptive living

With nature-inclusive construction country climate-adaptive design we strengthen biodiversity and quality of life. Think of green roofs, natural fences and space for water and cooling.

Read more about nature-inclusive construction
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/natuurinclusief-bouwen

This creates a place where peace, nature and living come together.

A new way to live

Knoest is more than just a project. It is a movement towards a new way of living locally, sustainable and connected.

Wondering how your project can grow from the same vision
https://www.ucarchitects.com/contact

Timber construction architect Pijnacker transformation and CLT homes

Knoest shows how a location can transform into a strong sustainable living environment. With a smart building transformation architect approach here creates space for living, nature and community. By designing from the place and the existing one, this development gets its own identity. This is sustainable construction with attention to people and the environment.

Check out our transformation projects
https://www.ucarchitects.com/projects?category=Transformatie+%26+Renovatie

Transformation as an opportunity for the future

Knoest's strength lies in combining transformation of an existing building with new additions. If renovation architect Netherlands we work with the reuse of structures, smart layouts and sustainable material choices.

Read more about sustainable renovation and redevelopment
https://www.rvo.nl/onderwerpen/duurzaam-ondernemen/gebouwen

This creates a robust basis for the future.

CLT and timber construction accelerate change

With CLT construction Netherlands country building solid wood we bring speed and sustainability together. Wood makes it possible to build in a light, flexible and circular way.

Read more about timber construction and CO2 storage
https://www.builtenvironment.nl/actueel/houtbouw-co2-opslag

Check out research on sustainable construction
https://www.tno.nl/nl/duurzaam/bouw

If architect timber construction we use the power of wood with fewer emissions, more comfort and higher build quality.

Urban densification with quality

It also plays in the landscape urban densification a role. Smart design creates more space without burdening the area.

Read more about urban densification
https://www.pbl.nl

With a compact design, shared space and a strong relationship with greenery, we are building a future-proof living environment.

Living with nature as a starting point

In Knoest is nature-inclusive construction central. With climate-adaptive design we are responding to heat, water and biodiversity.

Read more about climate-adaptive design
https://klimaatadaptatienederland.nl

This creates a place that is not only sustainable but also comfortable every day.

Do you also want to build a project that is right, from material to person?
https://www.ucarchitects.com/contact