The Protein Campus Beers serves as a catalyst for the transition to a circular economy by testing and experimenting with new systems. The goal is to create an innovation environment where entrepreneurs, citizens, research institutions, and governments collaborate on the protein transition. The campus will accommodate both small-scale businesses and experiments as well as large-scale protein production activities. This makes the Protein Campus a potential model for the Netherlands, offering a promising future perspective for both entrepreneurs and residents in the region.
2019
Prijsvraag
in cooperation with
Tweelinden B.V
AgriFood Capital
Derks Advies
AgriFood Capital
Derks Advies
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Metabolic Concept
The Protein Campus Beers will operate as a 'protein farm' that maximizes the use of its own waste streams. This is not a utopia but a feasible scenario. The campus will integrate pigs, cows, and chickens in closed-loop systems with tilapia, insects, duckweed, lupines, and other new crops.
By adding 'links' to existing food production systems, such as certain crops, closed loops can be established. This requires space and will lead to a reduction in the livestock population in the Netherlands. Nonetheless, it offers significant opportunities for sustainable production of both animal and plant proteins. In a metabolic system, all by-products are reused and converted into valuable products. This system will act as a growth model, adapting to the gradual shift from animal to plant-based protein production.
To add more value to products such as milk, meat, manure, and other by-products, we need to aim for a regional approach to closing loops rather than a global one. This has the advantage of keeping the value within the region, reducing environmental impact, and decreasing transportation. The new crops presented here are more drought-resistant, require fewer pesticides and irrigation. Additionally, there is an opportunity to experiment with other elements within and beyond the depicted cycle.
By adding 'links' to existing food production systems, such as certain crops, closed loops can be established. This requires space and will lead to a reduction in the livestock population in the Netherlands. Nonetheless, it offers significant opportunities for sustainable production of both animal and plant proteins. In a metabolic system, all by-products are reused and converted into valuable products. This system will act as a growth model, adapting to the gradual shift from animal to plant-based protein production.
To add more value to products such as milk, meat, manure, and other by-products, we need to aim for a regional approach to closing loops rather than a global one. This has the advantage of keeping the value within the region, reducing environmental impact, and decreasing transportation. The new crops presented here are more drought-resistant, require fewer pesticides and irrigation. Additionally, there is an opportunity to experiment with other elements within and beyond the depicted cycle.
Housing
The campus will offer housing for students, employees, and local residents. The homes will feature long gardens where residents can create vegetable plots. The houses will be constructed from poplar CLT (cross-laminated timber), thereby sequestering CO2. An information center about the protein transition will be established in the test fields with a pavilion.
Route
The test farm will create a connection between consumers and producers, agriculture and nature within the circular economy, as well as between the village and the rural area. A walking path will traverse the test fields and connect them with the newly constructed homes and the village, as well as with the surrounding agricultural area. This path will pass by several businesses and sites where the agricultural industry can be observed in practice.
The campus will offer housing for students, employees, and local residents. The homes will feature long gardens where residents can create vegetable plots. The houses will be constructed from poplar CLT (cross-laminated timber), thereby sequestering CO2. An information center about the protein transition will be established in the test fields with a pavilion.
Route
The test farm will create a connection between consumers and producers, agriculture and nature within the circular economy, as well as between the village and the rural area. A walking path will traverse the test fields and connect them with the newly constructed homes and the village, as well as with the surrounding agricultural area. This path will pass by several businesses and sites where the agricultural industry can be observed in practice.
Protein Campus
Cross-Section
The cross-section of the main building symbolizes the end of its original function. At the same time, this intervention creates a connection with the surrounding test fields and the village of Beers.
Preservation of KI Spaces
The roof barn of the former KI station will become the central point of the new protein campus. The adjacent KI laboratory will also be preserved and reconfigured as a shared laboratory. Additionally, the former KI spaces will be complemented with communal areas that connect the various functions within the test farm and explain aspects of protein production.
Addition of Business Spaces
Within the test farm, the main building will provide space for small-scale businesses and experiments, while the outbuildings will be designated for large-scale activities of companies involved in the protein transition.
The cross-section of the main building symbolizes the end of its original function. At the same time, this intervention creates a connection with the surrounding test fields and the village of Beers.
Preservation of KI Spaces
The roof barn of the former KI station will become the central point of the new protein campus. The adjacent KI laboratory will also be preserved and reconfigured as a shared laboratory. Additionally, the former KI spaces will be complemented with communal areas that connect the various functions within the test farm and explain aspects of protein production.
Addition of Business Spaces
Within the test farm, the main building will provide space for small-scale businesses and experiments, while the outbuildings will be designated for large-scale activities of companies involved in the protein transition.
