Neptunus' temporary buildings form convention centre for Netherlands EU Presidency

Kessel, January 15, 2016: As the Netherlands takes on the Presidency of the European Union, structure specialists Neptunus have built a state-of-the-art temporary convention centre in Amsterdam where ministers, members of the European Commission and diplomats will meet over the next six months.

Neptunus, one of the world’s leading temporary structure companies, took just three months to construct the 8,000 m2 complex behind the walls of Marine Land in Amsterdam on behalf of The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The reusable ‘Europa Building’ consists of six temporary high-tech buildings with conference rooms, lounges, a theatre, interpreting booths and meeting rooms. A stunning ‘void’ has been created in the centre of the roof with an impressive bespoke 150 m2 atrium with full height glass walls constructed beneath, forming a garden/courtyard area. Exterior walls are decorated with façade decoration and 3D printed benches. The interior has a typical Dutch signature, almost museum-like with false ceilings partially decorated with a cloud print.
Despite the temporary nature of the complex, most visitors will not realise that they are in a temporary building. It took Neptunus’ technicians just three months to build the convention centre, which has been created within three ultra-modern and energy efficient Evolution temporary structures, each linked by covered corridors.
Neptunus was responsible for coordinating the interior finish of the complex in collaboration with a team of subcontractors.
The Netherland holds the EU Presidency from January 1 to June 30, 2016 after which the eco-friendly re-useable buildings will be dismantled for use on other temporary assignments.

Neptunus Director Dorrie Eilers said: "As the main contractor Neptunus has been responsible for the delivery of this very prestigious project. In addition to providing the demountable buildings we have also overseen the interior finishing including floors, lighting, water, power supply, restrooms, climate control, IT infrastructure and alarm and fire systems.

“Energy efficiency is a critical element of the temporary complex and therefore part of the daily required energy is generated by solar panels that have been placed on the roof. It is the most advanced temporary complex in the Netherlands, and we are proud of the end result.”

Han Maurits Schaapveld, Director Central Project EU Presidency 2016, said: "The design and layout of the building is as sustainable as possible including the use of solar panels. The building will be disassembled afterwards for use elsewhere which is in keeping with our vision with many of the internal furnishings being reused within the Dutch Government.”

Temporary Buildings
In recent years the concept of re-useable temporary buildings has grown in popularity among companies and leading organisations across Europe. The demountable buildings can be erected swiftly to provide space for short-term projects such as events, exhibitions and conferences to longer-term uses where buildings can remain in place for a number of years.

Neptunus’ structures have been used to provide accommodation for a wide variety of requirements including sports halls at education establishments in the UK, Belgium and the Netherlands, supermarkets, offices, showrooms and warehouses. The temporary buildings are a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to permanent ones. Unlike traditional constructions, Neptunus’ buildings can be dismantled and re-used. The buildings are energy efficient with flexible designs so they can be easily enlarged if additional space is required and swiftly disassembled and reused.

Neptunus’ temporary buildings expertise has evolved from its vast experience of providing temporary structures to many prestigious global events including the Olympic Games, Rugby World Cup, Farnborough International Air Show and the Paris Air Show.

PAUL SMITH ASSOCIATES
15th January 2016