The Central Government Real Estate Agency commissioned consortium R Creators, the partnership between Strukton, Facilicom and Ballast Nedam, to convert the former Knoopkazerne in Utrecht into Rijkskantoor de Knoop. The outdated complex was sustainably redeveloped to become a government office where various government departments now work. The shell of the former barracks was transformed into government offices and extended with a conference centre for a thousand visitors. An atrium links the conference centre and the transformed Knoopkazerne. The outside area is designed with 'the Knoopplein' and the circular pavilion 'The Green House'.

More quality for sustainable partnership
Cooperation was an important criterion during the tendering phase. Not only because the contract runs for twenty years, but also because during the operational phase, the facilities organisation of R Creators works together as one team with the facilities organisation of the government office. This is the first time in a PPP tender that services and a partnership weighed so heavily. Due to the knowledge and experience of construction, maintenance and services, more quality is achieved for the users.

Future-proof in the heart of Utrecht
With respect to sustainability, the focus is not only on reducing energy consumption and the use of materials. We also aim to optimise the flexibility of the building and the associated services, so that they are future-proof. The area around Utrecht Central station where Rijkskantoor De Knoop is located is part of the 'Station Area Master Plan' for the renewal of the centre. Rijkskantoor de Knoop has become a leading, hospitable and sustainable building in the heart of the Netherlands.