Cloverleaf 4 (K4) is an area of approximately 5,000 hectares located northwest of Venlo, between the highways A73 and A67. In this vast region, a dynamic zone of logistics and agricultural activities has been developed with minimal disruption to the nature in which these activities are embedded. The new buildings blend as seamlessly as possible with the landscape, creating a harmonious and sustainable balance between the economy and ecology. In the master plan, the different functions are coordinated as much as possible, so that added value can be created: the Agro Business Park. Here, a large number of logistics functions (distribution, trade, storage) are combined with facilities for production and processing. The goal is not just to move goods but also to add value, trade them directly, and develop knowledge. For example, by combining smart water management, energy systems, and infrastructure.
2009
realization from 2010
client
Gemeenten Venlo, GOB, NV Klavertje 4, Provincie Limburg, Gemeente Horst aan de Maas
programme
Logistic business park, glasshouse horticulture, landscape development, leisure, infrastructure
in cooperation with
Urban Affairs
VHP
De Urbanisten
VHP
De Urbanisten
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The Cloverleaf
The smallest building block of the master plan is the "cloverleaf." While it might sound purely metaphorical, it is not. After an extensive study of possible configurations for the extremely large units required by the logistics sector, the cloverleaf configuration proved to be an excellent foundation for easily applying Cradle to Cradle (C2C) objectives. The cloverleaf design allows for optimized traffic flow through a one-way system. The cloverleaf has 70% usable land and 30% collective green space. This green area is made functional for the infiltration of rainwater, collected from the large roof surfaces of the warehouses and surrounding infrastructure.
Penetrative Green
Because the built areas of the cloverleaf are spread out, the green space can penetrate deep into the working area, benefiting employees and contributing to the development of a slow-traffic network. The stem of the cloverleaf contains a broad green zone used to purify polluted water from the surrounding buildings. Clean water that infiltrates into the soil can be used for irrigation in the greenhouses through underground passages. This helps maintain the natural balance in the area. A central biogas plant in the project area converts greenhouse waste, pig manure, and green waste from the landscape and surrounding villages into biogas. The biogas is directed to combined heat and power plants that supply electricity and heat to the work clusters via a low-temperature water system.
