Sustainability has a role in the project: the energy required for the tunnel is generated by a solar meadow at a nearby location. Originally the intention was to build new service buildings, but after thorough investigation it turned out to be possible to fit all new installations into the existing service buildings. The only addition is a new façade that fits much better into the surroundings. Obviously this results in a substantial reduction of the required raw materials and costs. After all, the most circular form of building is not building.
Integration of existing and new
The Heinenoord tunnel has an expressive entrance and daylight grid, typical of the architecture of the 1960s. New elements are added such as the middle tunnel channel and the facades of the service buildings. These are carefully embedded in the existing lines and shapes of the tunnel. The original color pattern is restored. At the head of the entrance the name of the tunnel appears in cool big letters.
Maximum space for people and nature
The beautiful natural tidal area along the Oude Maas with its unique flora and fauna remains free of new buildings and access. The current bright yellow container-shaped facades of the service buildings will be replaced by flexible and inconspicuous expanded metal voiles that incorporate both the existing service buildings and all necessary installations in a modest form.
The area around the control buildings will be upgraded, the cycle path will be widened and the parapet on the river side will be lowered. This creates a pleasant cycle route with a beautiful view of the river. If the budget permits, an ecological connection for small animals will be realized. This strengthens both the ecosystem and the recreational cycle routes along the Oude Maas embankments.
