An ambitious and adaptable ‘testbed’ workspace is the global design firm’s lowest carbon project to date.
2 min read
Photography: Stijn Poelstra and Alex Kendrick
M Moser’s Amsterdam living lab is all about sustainability. This new canal-adjacent workspace situated in the historic Cristofori building – a magnificent former piano workshop and concert hall – demonstrates how technology can strengthen operational efficiency and support ambitious climate goals, offering the global design practice a testbed location that is an “invisible partner for making better decisions about design.”
M Moser Europe’s most ambitiously decarbonised project to date, the design approach will continually align the space with its needs, offering a responsive solution to modern building management. Occupying a restored concert hall meant the practice prioritised things that cannot be changed, like location, natural light, openness and character. These elements were essential for the design strategy to be a success – with the team setting out to build ‘only what they need’.
The practice is actively working towards a WELL Building Standard – Platinum accreditation, as well as ISO 14064, one of the most ambitious net zero certifications available. Carbon consumption is minimised in design and construction, recording all sources of emissions to offset the balance on completion, with an aim to maintain a net zero operational status.
Inside, M Moser will use the space to continually identify opportunities for improvement with an invisible layer of technology. Sensors analyse space performance and generate detailed reports on energy usage and carbon emissions. The system also provides insights into space utilisation, work preferences and occupant behaviour. All this data is integrated into a cloud-based digital twin.
A real-time dashboard located in our studio displays key metrics, such as energy usage, air quality, occupancy, and noise. M Moser’s design, strategy, and engineering teams can analyse that data and turn it into action – reducing energy consumption, giving people more control over their environment, or adapting the space to be more efficient.
To maintain the former concert hall’s charm, the practice minimised construction and repurposed materials. It didn’t build any dry partitions, and everything installed is movable or can be disassembled. Even the lighting is set on tracks to make it moveable and task lighting is provided through freestanding fixture – ensuring the technology supports layout changes without new construction.
A concept of “a guide to the invisible” reinforces themes of musicality, sustainability and technology throughout the space. The firm’s brand experience team added bespoke art, objects, signage and installations, including an interactive site that allows guests to scan QR codes and learn more about the living lab as they move around.
Artwork is curated and meaningful, connecting the Amsterdam team to their workspace and offering a talking point for guests. In the centre of the studio, a deconstructed piano is crafted from parts donated by a local piano workshop.
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