Bestseller and Henning Larsen Embark on a Journey to Redefine Logistics with Mass Timber Hub in Netherlands

The design will be Europe’s largest timber logistics center. 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. Biogenic materials and significantly increasing biodiversity are prioritized – over 40% of the site is dedicated to its landscape, inspired by the surrounding island habitat...

> Henning Larsen reveals all-Timber Design for World of Volvo
> Henning Larsen Reveals Design Large Timber Building in Copenhagen

From the architect: Located in Lelystad, on the Dutch island of Flevopolder, Bestseller’s 155,000m2 Logistics Center West (LCW) is a nod to the area’s unique topography. The structure will be built primarily of mass timber and other biogenic materials such as straw. 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%.

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% 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.

“The constructed wetland habitat and the rooftop meadow are integral components designed to promote biodiversity. This intentional integration of nature into the workspace creates a unique atmosphere where employees can connect with the natural world, fostering well-being and productivity. However, crucial to its success, not every area is accessible to people to ensure nature can flourish unimpeded by human activity."

Sonja Stockmarr, Global Design Director, Landscape, Henning Larsen

LCW features an optimized irrigation system that promotes a healthy water ecology, safeguards against flooding, and upholds the site's responsibility to prevent contamination of the local water system. Additionally, roof-sourced stormwater can be efficiently recycled for internal building use.

Encompassing 30,753m2, the site’s roof features various planting beds, small fruit trees, and blooming bushes, providing a serene escape for employees while attracting and supporting various local species. This biodiverse space not only enhances the building's aesthetics but also absorbs CO2, filters air pollutants, and mitigates heat absorption, resulting in a more comfortable and sustainable environment. The garden's topography accommodates a network of trees and green pockets, offering shaded seating and scenic spots for outdoor gatherings.

Where Nature and Work Thrive 

The integration of nature into the workspace harmonizes indoor and outdoor elements, creating an atmosphere that prioritizes employee well-being. Abundant natural light floods the timber interior, invigorating the space and enhancing focus. Outside areas optimize the microclimate to notably extend the duration of outdoor comfort by over two months throughout both the spring and autumn seasons. The great swathes of area dedicated to nature help to ensure the urban heat island effect will not arise.

Bestseller’s Logistic Center West is designed in collaboration with Ramboll, Denc and Pelecon. The site is set to be completed in 2026.

Architect: Henning Larsen
Client: Bestseller
Location: Lelystad, Netherlands
Expected completion date: 2026
Site size: 287,000m2: including 24,000m2 wetland, 30,000m2 forest, 30,000m2 roof meadow
Building size: 155,000m2
Landscape Architect: Henning Larsen
Engineers: Ramboll, Denc and Pelecon
Renders: Henning Larsen