Circular design for Schiphol checkpoint

A desire for sustainability and security

In 2018, Schiphol identified the need to expand the Quebec taxi lane, and with that came the requirement for a new vehicle security checkpoint – Checkpoint 90.

One of Schiphol’s sustainability ambitions is to be an airport without residual waste by 2030, and to be fully circular by 2050. This requires an innovative approach to design and construction.

As such, the airport wanted to ensure that the design of the checkpoint was secure and complemented the existing buildings and structures – all while utilising existing materials from demolished buildings on site, taking a circular approach.

Benthem Crouwel NACO (BCN) was selected to deliver a framework that would help decide the best approach for the project in line with Schiphol’s circular ambitions.

BCN undertook this project in cooperation with BAM, FPC and Peutz. BAM in the role of project management, structural engineer and installations and BCN responsible for architecture, functionality and sustainability.

Together, the design and construction team crafted a project that not only meets the demands of security and efficiency but also sets a benchmark for sustainable innovation in airport infrastructure.

Maintaining adaptability through design

In the Preliminary design phase, the project team developed two sustainable proposals for Checkpoint 90, from which Schiphol could select the way forward.

The concept selected incorporated urban mining; a method that would meet the airport’s circular ambitions through the “harvesting” of materials salvaged from demolished buildings to construct the new checkpoint.

To meet Schiphol’s ambition, it was important that the result met Building Circularity Index (BCI) criteria (>60%), to reflect the environmental benefits of using the harvested materials. At the same time, BCN created a ‘toolbox’ to provide guidance for the application of urban mining in future projects, while maintaining the same characteristic industrial look, the silver-grey colour palette, and the sloping facades.

Among the standout features of urban mining that contributed to the circular look and feel of the checkpoints was the steel construction of the canopy above the security lanes. This iconic element not only became a landmark for Schiphol but also significantly raised the BCI score.

Applying our combined knowledge and experience, BCN was able to analyse the most effective option, incorporating a fully demountable design to maintain maximum adaptability of the building for the future.

An energy-neutral checkpoint

The final design integrates materials selected from the demolition of one office building and one cargo building at Snipweg Schiphol, making the design significantly circular (68% BCI).

The demolition of the source buildings was completed with the great care, and all materials were carefully catalogued before the design was finalised. Steel structures, doors, sanitary facilities, kitchens, and LED lighting were all recovered from the demolished buildings.

And any materials which weren’t used in the checkpoint have found their way elsewhere. For example, the bicycle sheds are being reused, window frames are being used in new buildings, and other cable ducts are being given a second life. The entire roof covering from the demolished buildings will be processed to make the asphalt for Rotterdam The Hague Airport – extending that circular approach even further.

A striking and innovative feature of Checkpoint 90 is the canopy made of bifacial solar panels which serve as waterproof roofing, resulting in a reduction of material usage. Furthermore, the translucent solar panels contribute to energy savings and enhance the experience and interaction with the surroundings.

The new checkpoint demonstrates that Schiphol is already well on its way to achieving its ambition to become the world’s most sustainable airport by 2030.