A new office building has been constructed in Gouda for Rabobank Gouwestreek. The four existing Gouda branches have been consolidated into this single, multifunctional building.
Designed by Kraaijvanger Architects, the Rabobank Gouwestreek headquarters was intended to serve as a modern customer contact centre and community hub. Transparency was a key architectural feature of the building. The building has two distinct identities: a solid stone façade facing the railway and a highly transparent glass façade, made by Facédo, facing the city. Designed as a 'glass palace', the city-facing elevation features white glossy wings that provide solar shading, creating an open and welcoming appearance while allowing extensive views and daylight penetration.
Various types of insulating glass units have been used: Pilkington Insulight™ Therm with Pilkington Optitherm™ S1, and Pilkington Insulight™ Therm with Pilkington Optitherm™ S3. These types of low-emissivity glass have been combined with Pilkington Optilam™ laminated safety glass. The building's corners are made of curved glass.
At the heart of the building is a large atrium that connects the stone and glass sections. This glazed central space brings natural daylight deep into the interior, visually and physically linking the inside and outside while fostering interaction between occupants. The extensive use of glass reinforces the bank's ambition to project openness and accessibility, contrasting with the traditionally closed image of financial institutions.
Sustainability was a key driver of the project, which achieved BREEAM Excellent certification. The design combines transparency with energy-efficient solutions, including intelligent external blinds integrated into the façade. As well as controlling solar gain and improving energy performance, these blinds also function as maintenance balconies for window cleaning, demonstrating a multifunctional approach to façade design.
The building's layout further supports sustainable performance. All service cores and technical functions are concentrated within the solid 'rock' wall on the railway side, which acts as a buffer against noise, dust and excessive solar exposure. This allows large, flexible, naturally lit open-plan office spaces to be created adjacent to the glazed façades, improving occupant comfort and long-term adaptability.
Overall, glass is used not only as an aesthetic feature, but also as a key element in creating a bright, connected and transparent workplace. Alongside intelligent shading systems, a daylight-focused design, flexible interiors and a certified sustainable approach, the building serves as a model for Rabobank's vision of the future workplace.
The Gouda office is one of the most sustainable buildings in the city. It serves as a vibrant meeting place and contemporary workplace for staff. The BREEAM Excellent certified building incorporates the latest sustainability features.