Boogiewood | The Hague

The Binckhorst is an area in transformation. Where industry and large-scale business once dominated, a vibrant urban district is now emerging, blending living, working, and leisure. Boogiewood, the largest timber construction project in the Benelux, not only integrates all these functions but also marks a major step forward in ‘Paris-proof’ urban development.

In the first phase, 357 homes will be built entirely from Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), reducing ecological impact (MPG < 0,4) while enabling lightweight and flexible construction. The choice of wood allows for a more ambitious residential program to be placed atop the existing underground parking garage without exceeding the foundation’s load capacity.

Innovative construction techniques play a crucial role in realizing this project. By using prefabricated CLT elements and a scaffold-free building method, construction time is shortened, and waste is minimized. Additionally, the project contributes to a greener urban environment. A communal rooftop garden, designed by Felixx Landscape Architects, will be created on the roof of the Jongeneel building, offering residents a space to gather and relax in the heart of the city’s dynamic setting.

Scale and connection

At the strategic intersection of Binckhorstlaan and Mercuriusweg, Boogiewood serves as a key project within the district’s development. The project merges two adjacent sites: the former Badger office and the Jongeneel site. In collaboration with co-architect De Zwarte Hond, these locations have been integrated into a cohesive design. The existing office buildings will be demolished, with materials reused, while the two-level underground parking garage will be retained.

The new structure features a nine-meter-high plinth housing businesses from the manufacturing industry, including Jongeneel and other commercial functions. This ensures that the industrial identity of the Binckhorst remains tangible in the streetscape.

Above the plinth, a U-shaped CLT structure of nine stories encloses the inner courtyard, creating a sheltered and intimate atmosphere within the metropolitan plan. The 110-meter tower is set back along Mercuriuslaan, introducing a visual break in the high-rise façade along Binckhorstlaan and highlighting the intersection.

Architecture

The architecture of Boogiewood references the history of the Binckhorst without resorting to nostalgia. The Hague’s eyeline-skyline rules are not simply applied but rather interpreted in a way that suits the site. The tower features a modest crown, while its horizontal layers incorporate rhythmic setbacks and angles, ensuring an ongoing dialogue with its surroundings.

Materiality plays a key role in the experience of the building. The lower level is executed in Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC), maintaining the Binckhorst’s rugged, industrial aesthetic. Above this, a lighter aluminum façade provides a subtle transition to the sky. Flowing lines and refined details lend Boogiewood a softer edge within its robust urban context.

A Sustainable Living Environment

A communal rooftop garden, designed by Felixx Landscape Architects, will be realized atop the Jongeneel building, offering residents green spaces within an urban setting. The inner courtyard will connect to the green public spaces along the Trekvliet waterfront.

By combining material reuse, landscaping, and social housing in timber, Boogiewood significantly reduces its ecological footprint while enhancing biodiversity and inclusivity. This project adds a new chapter to the Binckhorst’s evolution—one where sustainability, livability, and innovative architecture come together.