New build Intratuin, Zevenhuizen (the Netherlands) 2012

You will find the Intratuin Zevenhuizen along the A12 motorway between The Hague and Utrecht, near the Zevenhuizen turnoff. This brand new garden center is the 55th Intratuin branch in the Netherlands and combines sustainability and optimum experience under a single roof.

The design is transparent, spacious and symmetrical, giving the building an inviting and majestic appearance. The total site is no less than 50,000 m² and includes a parking area of 15,000 m² for 560 vehicles, an outdoor logistics area of 3,000 m², a water feature of 2,500 m², a warehouses of 3,000 m² and 16,000 m² of retail space spread across two floors.

The unheated and heated greenhouses are located on the ground floor, presenting the customer with a comprehensive choice of outdoor greenery, indoor plants, interior decorating articles, pet supplies, lighting and pond equipment and accessories. The first floor displays garden furniture, seasonal cooking equipment and garden sheds and huts. The broad aisles allow ample space for special shelving displays and various sales exhibits and a number of areas have been furnished as themed rooms and environments. Shopping carts remain steady on broad moving walkways that connect the shop floors to each other. At the back of the centrally located garden café there is an impressive terrace overlooking the water.

Sustainability is vital to this family-run center. Intratuin Zevenhuizen is one of the Netherlands’ most modern garden centers in view of Corporate Social Responsibility. The roof comprises nine different layers of synthetic material and extra-thick insulating glass was used for the walls. The gutters have been insulated and a thermal energy storage plant has been installed. This provides energy-efficient heating and cooling of the store, warehouse and greenhouses. Energy-efficient lighting has been fitted throughout the premises with no discernible compromise on quality. Rainwater is also collected for watering indoor and outdoor plants. And there is even a charging point for electric bicycles.