Heineken’s global R&D centre leads new era of brewing innovation 

Sustainable lab design ensures flexibility for the future 

Heineken’s bold vision was brought to life with the support of Haskoning. Involved at a very early stage, we conceptualised the centre design, managed the project and contracts, and guided the execution of the project on Heineken’s behalf. Communications and stakeholder alignment helped ensure the outcome was practical, inspirational and fit for the future. 

The centre brings together multiple aspects in a single location to promote innovation across every area of the value chain. Alongside cutting-edge labs and sensory research facilities, the building incorporates packaging innovation, a sample service centre, logistics and office support. The architecture embeds the building in the natural landscape integrating native plants and trees. Sustainability is embedded in the material choices and building systems.

The building’s central atrium connects all the departments to promote communication and interaction. Strategically located on the site of Europe’s largest brewery, the Dr H.P. Heineken Centre is close to Delft University of Technology. This strengthens Heineken’s links to top universities and global partners, accelerating breakthroughs in fermentation science, low- and no-alcohol innovation and developing natural ingredients.

The internal design is attractive and functional, with the flexibility to adapt to future needs. For example, the laboratories are designed in modular units and a backbone provides fixed points for gas supplies enabling them to be reconfigured to support Heineken’s dynamic research processes. Alongside R&D project management, we created the initial lab design and ensured the final result from the contractor met users’ working patterns and complied with specifications.