Max & Moore | Amsterdam

Architect: Mei architects and planners

Green Architect: MOSS

Location: Amsterdam

Design Year: 2020

Construction Year: 2022

Project: Green roofs, climbing green walls, and green patios

Parties involved:  Being Development, COD, Pleijsier Bouw, DELVA, Zonneveld Ingenieurs, KVMC Management & Consultancy

Photo credits: Jordi Huisman

Max & Moore is a newly constructed 9,800 m2 office complex on the Asterweg in the Buiksloterham district of Amsterdam Noord. This development by Being Development and COD, designed by Mei architects and planners in collaboration with DELVA Landscape and MOSS, is robust, chic, and green.

The green design by MOSS is characterized by three main green typologies: biodiverse green roofs with native species, climbing walls for local and seasonal flora, and lush patios. These interactive landscapes bring Max & Moore to life! With its nature-inclusive design, a BREEAM Excellent (four stars) quality mark, and circular design, Max & Moore will be an inspiration for creative and productive entrepreneurs.

From an ecological standpoint, Max & Moore lays amidst an ecological corridor. To the East is ‘Het Vliegenbos’, the oldest city park of Amsterdam and home to many bird species. To the North East is the ‘Noorderpark’ which functions as a green buffer, and just North of this site lays the ‘Buiksloterbreekpark’.

We have identified endangered plant and animal species in the area and designed our gardens as a home for them. Our biodiverse roof garden on the East is planted with special seed mixes to reestablish communities of endangered plants such as the Saxifraga, and Cystopteris, as well as the Epidendrum spp. and Scutellaria integrifolia. Our aim is to weave the gardens of Max & Moore into this ecological corridor found in Amsterdam Noord.

Circularity is found within the strategies of sustainability. Our green terraces and patios regulate the building’s surface temperature. When comparing a grey roof to a green roof in summertime, a green roof can be up to 30 degrees cooler, and indoors that means anywhere from 3-11 degrees less! This stabilization of temperature helps the microclimate and mitigates the urban heat island effect.

The permeable surfaces throughout the building catch stormwater and mimic hydrologic conditions found in nature. This means our green areas can retain a large amount of rainwater for a longer period of time and can delay the peak discharge. Through the plant and vegetative roof surfaces, we can store up to 10,000L of water at a time at Max & Moore!

Nature is a linking factor between floor levels and also between buildings. The greenery contributes to biodiversity and provides ecosystem services for stormwater retention and urban heat island mitigation, while at the same time it makes Max & Moore a more pleasant and healthy workplace.