Alliander

Rethinking infrastructure as a circular system

Alliander

Circular transformer houses

We believe the energy transition asks for more than technical upgrades—it calls for a fundamental rethink of how we design, build, and reuse. Within the Co/Lab: Circular Energy Grid, we explored what a future-proof transformer house could be: adaptive, circular, and designed as part of a living system rather than a static object.

Designing from the inside out

Starting from the core, we defined what truly matters—function, safety, maintenance, and spatial efficiency. From there, we reimagined the transformer house as a modular platform that can grow or shrink with changing energy demand. Instead of a fixed volume, we designed a flexible system of standardized modules, enabling easy scaling, replacement, and reconfiguration over time.

Separating structure for maximum adaptability

Our concept separates foundation, structure, and skin into independent layers. The structure consists of a lightweight, modular timber frame, elevated on piles to minimize ground impact and eliminate the need for concrete. This not only reduces CO₂ emissions but also introduces a sense of lightness and temporality—more akin to a product than traditional infrastructure.

Turning the façade into a material platform

The facade becomes a canvas for circularity. Demountable cassette panels allow for the use of locally sourced, bio-based, and residual materials—from biocomposites to agricultural waste—giving each unit a regional identity while maintaining a standardized system underneath. Every component is designed for disassembly and reuse, turning the transformer house into a true material hub: everything that goes in can come out again, without loss of value.

Engineering circularity into the complete system

By integrating system thinking, material flows, and logistics from the start, we created a buildable, scalable solution that reduces footprint, accelerates construction, and extends lifecycle value.

The result is more than an infrastructure object—it’s a recognizable, adaptable symbol of the energy transition. A small building with a big role: circular by design, and ready for tomorrow.