Driven by a shared commitment to reduce emissions, create a fair working environment and be circular by design to minimize waste and keep resources in use, Henning Larsen has unveiled its design for Europe’s largest timber logistics center. Embracing biogenic materials and boosting biodiversity, more than 40 percent of the site is dedicated to its landscape, inspired by the surrounding island habitat.
Located in Lelystad, on the Dutch island of Flevopolder, Bestseller’s 155,000 square meter Logistics Center West (LCW) is a nod to the area’s unique topography. According to the architects, the structure will be built primarily of mass timber and other biogenic materials such as straw. Designed in collaboration with Ramboll, Denc and Pelecon, the site is set to be completed in 2026.
The surrounding wetland and forest will be incorporated and enhanced, and a meadow cultivated on the roof, designed to increase the site biodiversity by 10 percent. The logistics hub will include offices, shuttle storage, pallet shuttle, and a restaurant with a roof garden and terrace, providing ample space in the surrounding nature for employees and visitors.
Fostering Ecological Variety
To nurture the site’s biodiversity exclusively for nature’s gain, a constructed wetland habitat will envelop a significant portion of the site, fostering microhabitats through diverse native species and varied landscaping. The wetlands feature a boardwalk that serves both as a scenic route and an educational tool for employees, including plant identification, informative diagrams, and seating areas amidst nature.
Other areas are off limits to people; nature-only areas designed to limit human impact. The wetland design blends with the surrounding environment, supporting varied topography to establish open water spaces, transitional zones, and damp meadows, making space for nature and its habitats.
“Our commitment to preserving and enhancing the natural environment goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about fostering ecological variety and creating a sustainable ecosystem. With just over 40 percent of the site dedicated to its landscape, we are not just building a logistics center; we are nurturing an environment that thrives with diverse native species, wetlands, and green spaces,” said Sonja Stockmarr, Global Design Director, Landscape, Henning Larsen.