Architect Neutelings Riedijk partnered with fashion designer Iris van Herpen to create the National Biodiversity Institute, “Naturalis,” located in Leiden, Netherlands. The institute’s rich history dates back to 1820, founded by King William I. Over the past decade, annual visitor numbers have surged to over 400,000, making renovation a pressing need. The architects aimed to design a sustainable complex that integrates both existing and new structures. Each function within the building takes a distinct form, all connected through a bright, central atrium. This timeless facility now houses a growing collection of 42 million specimens under one roof.
From the exterior, the Naturalis exhibition hall is enveloped in horizontal stone layers that mimic geological formations. Embedded natural crystals within the limestone create a subtle sparkling effect on the façade. These stone layers are interrupted by white concrete panels, designed by Iris van Herpen. Neutelings Riedijk collaborated with the Dutch fashion designer to develop 263 panels inspired by natural shapes collected throughout the institute. The panels’ smooth, silky appearance resembles flowing fabric, paying homage to van Herpen’s innovative fashion aesthetics.
Inside, the advanced facilities accommodate over 200 researchers dedicated to addressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, food security, and water quality. The museum also offers the public an immersive experience showcasing the wonder and diversity of nature. The central atrium serves as a connective hub, linking existing offices and storage areas with newly constructed museums and laboratories. Architecturally, the atrium features a three-dimensional concrete structure composed of interlocking ellipses, triangles, and hexagons. Natural light filters through circular windows, providing ample illumination throughout the space.
The building’s public areas, including restaurants, shops, and exhibition halls, are located on the first floor. Here, visitors can observe research on the last group of whales that washed ashore. Dutch designer Tord Boontje contributed nearly 100 vibrant wall panels throughout the museum. These panels combine photography and painting to tell a visual story, celebrating the natural world with intricate floral and animal patterns.
Night Views of the Buildings
Project Information
Project: Museum covering 17,000 sqm; 18,000 sqm warehouse and office space; 3,000 sqm laboratory
Surface Area: Total 38,000 sqm, including 20,000 sqm of new construction and 18,000 sqm of renovated existing buildings
Location: Darwin 2, Leiden, Netherlands
Client: Naturalis Biodiversity Center
Design Started: March 2013
Construction Start: January 2017 (BIM building)
Completion Date: May 2019
In Use: August 2019
Architectural Design: Neutelings Riedijk Architecten
Architectural Design Team: Michiel Riedijk, Willem Jan Neutelings, Frank Beelen, Kenny Tang, Guillem Colomer Fontanet, Jolien van Bever, Ines Escauriaza Otazua, Marie Brabcova, Cynthia Deckers
Construction Project: ABT BV Ingenieursbause
Structural Engineering: Aronsohn Raadgevende Ingenieurs
Installation Design: Huisman en van Muijen
Architectural Physics: Mr. Raadgevende Ingenieurs
Interior Design (Public Areas & Offices): Neutelings Riedijk Architect; Hollandse Nieuwe
Art Designers: Iris van Herpen (concrete relief); Tord Boontje Studio (graphics)
Urban Planning: Studio Hartzema
Cost Calculation: IGG / Bointon de Grot
Landscape Designer: H+N+S, Amersfoort
Photography: Scagliola Brakkee Fotografie
Model: Archiimpact
Model Photography: Neutelings Riedijk Architects
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