Temple of Cheese, Westbeemster

Bastiaan Jongerius Architects achieved this result through a design that is characterised by self-control. The building is large, and with its arcade that runs all the way around it, monumental as well.
Yet, it fits naturally into the landscape. This has been achieved by the balanced composition in which the building volume is positioned lengthwise of the lot. The building makes sense, thanks to the lightly elevated floor, the subtly receding roof and the proportions of the facades.

The work spaces on the inside have a lot of light and a beautiful view over the polder. Thanks to a strongly reduced water and power use, the ‘glass temple of cheese’ takes CONO a step further towards its goal of becoming the most sustainable cheese dairy in the world. Meanwhile, the land on which the old factory was located can be returned to the polder.

Best Building of the year