09/06/2026
We are proud to share new images of One Helix, one of the most sustainable laboratory buildings in the world.
Designed by UNStudio, developed by Breakthrough Properties, and built by De Vries en Verburg as general contractor, One Helix is a pioneering laboratory building located on the Amsterdam UMC campus and leased to AstraZeneca. Conceived as an all-electric, net energy-positive facility, the project has achieved BREEAM Outstanding certification, setting a new benchmark for sustainable laboratory design.
Solar energy generation has been integrated throughout the building's architecture, with photovoltaic systems incorporated across multiple facade and roof elements. As part of this holistic approach, light grey Solarix panels from the Mono collection frame the upper band of the building, while black suede panels have been incorporated into the fins, maximising energy generation.
In total, 934 m² of Solarix solar facade panels have been installed, of which 862 m² is active, demonstrating how renewable energy can become an integral part of high-performance architecture without compromising design quality.
Client: De Vries en Verburg
Architect: UNStudio
Developer: Breakthrough properties
Other parties involved: AmsterdamUMC, SolarNRG, Kenwell, Wijnveen aluminiumbouw and Solarix
