Deerns is supporting Wageningen University & Research with the design of a sustainable, energy-neutral lab facility for genetic research, featuring advanced engineering and state-of-the-art preservation systems.
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is developing a new facility on the Wageningen Campus to expand its research infrastructure. The building will house the Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands (CGN), and the Jan IngenHousz Institute (JII) (research on photosynthesis) and will include offices, laboratories and deep freezer storage areas for both plant and animal seeds.
As a global leader in agricultural and life sciences, WUR is investing in designing a facility that will support advanced research in genetic conservation and the development of innovative plant and animal breeding methods – contributing to food security and biodiversity worldwide.
Deerns has been appointed to deliver the building physics and installation engineering design for this ambitious project. Jeroen Rijs, Business Development & Operational Lead, Life Sciences at Deerns, says, “This project offers a rare opportunity to fuse cutting-edge engineering with environmental stewardship – demonstrating what is possible when performance and sustainability go hand in hand in laboratory design.”
Pushing the Boundaries of Energy-Neutral Design
WUR’s brief is both visionary and technically demanding: to create an energy-neutral building that sets new benchmarks in sustainability, building physics and engineering. The design features a state-of-the-art laboratory complex constructed with a timber main structure – a bold, climate-conscious choice that reflects the project’s deep commitment to innovation and ecological responsibility.
Precision Engineering for Seed Preservation
A particularly complex and innovative element of the design is a fire suppression system that protects the irreplaceable seed collections in case of fire without damaging the collection. The building will also be equipped with a sophisticated cooling system to ensure optimal conditions for long-term seed preservation.
This project highlights Deerns’ ability to deliver innovative, high-performance engineering solutions for complex, sustainability-driven research environments – setting a new standard for future-ready laboratory design.
