A green welcome for the Zuidas business district

The FOZ Building on Gustav Mahlerlaan has undergone a complete transformation. The once cool and echoing 144 m² entrance hall was redesigned by D/Dock into a lush green oasis, featuring nearly 100 m² of SemperGreenwalls that bring calm, warmth and vitality to the heart of the Zuidas business district.

Green that works instantly

Pre-grown plant walls add immediate atmosphere, comfort and warmth to the tall entrance hall.

Wellbeing built into every day

Green façades reduce stress, improve acoustics and create a more pleasant space to work and meet.

Sustainable & future-ready

Energy-efficient systems, healthy air and circular materials reinforce the FOZ Building’s green ambitions.

An entrance that breathes

In the fast-paced Zuidas Business District, the FOZ Building’s entrance now feels like a moment of fresh air. Where the 7-metre-high hall once felt cold and echoing, almost 100 m² of SemperGreenwall now brings life and warmth. A rich blend of Philodendron scandens, Marantha and Ficus repens softens the architecture and creates a layered green texture.

The plants absorb noise, improve air quality and offer visitors an immediate sense of calm. The result is a place to pause, meet or enjoy a coffee; an inviting start to the building.

Green that elevates wellbeing and productivity

The green walls do far more than enhance aesthetics. Research shows that employees in green environments experience less stress, think more clearly and maintain better focus. At the FOZ Building, the living walls help stabilise humidity, reduce dry eyes and headaches and create a more pleasant acoustic environment. For visitors, it feels welcoming; for tenants, it serves as a daily boost of energy.

The FOZ Building is known for its forward-looking sustainability ambitions. With an A++ energy label, water-saving systems, a renewed building management system with air-quality sensors and an ecological courtyard garden, it sets a strong example on the Zuidas. The SemperGreenwalls fit seamlessly into this vision: they improve the indoor climate and help buffer temperature fluctuations. The entrance becomes both a visible and tangible expression of the building’s sustainable identity.

A workplace that finds calm in the city

Although the FOZ Building sits right next to Amsterdam Zuid station, the renewed entrance feels surprisingly serene. The greenery softens the hard architectural lines and creates a natural transition between the lively Zuidas and the calm inside. The hall is no longer just a passage, it has become a meeting place: warm, green and welcoming. Exactly what a modern multi-tenant workplace needs.

People respond instinctively to nature, even when it’s added into dense urban environments. The living walls at the FOZ Building have a subtle yet immediate impact on how people feel. Their soft hues, natural patterns and slight movement create a sense of calm rarely found in corporate high-rises. Visitors often say they feel themselves relax as soon as they step inside, as if the pressure of the Zuidas momentarily lifts. Countless studies confirm this effect: greenery directly influences mood and stress levels.

It is a sustainable vision in every detail

Fewer dry eyes, less headaches, more productivity and fewer sick days

Large office environments with air-conditioning and few natural materials often struggle with complaints such as dry eyes, headaches and mental fatigue. The SemperGreenwalls help counter these issues. The plants stabilise humidity, capture dust particles and soften the indoor climate. This makes the space feel more comfortable and reduces common irritations. Employees who spend long hours behind screens especially notice the difference: less eye strain, better focus and a more breathable environment.

Green workspaces don’t just improve how people feel, they improve how they perform. Studies on biophilic design show that employees in green offices are more productive, more focused and less easily distracted. At the FOZ Building, the green entrance acts as a mental reset as people start their day or take a break. It lowers stress, boosts alertness and supports a more positive work mindset. Research also shows that employees in greener offices take fewer sick days. With reduced stress peaks and better indoor air, a healthier workplace culture naturally emerges; one where people feel more energised and perform better.

Photo courtesy of: Adam van Noort

Sempergreen living wall FOZ Amsterdam top

Photo courtesy of: Adam van Noort

Sempergreen living wall FOZ Amsterdam working

Photo courtesy of: Adam van Noort

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