Snøhetta Unveils Positive-Energy Building at Dunkirk Port

In Dunkirk, Snøhetta, in collaboration with Santer Vanhoof, has completed Écosystème D. This energy hub and engineering workspace blends research, training, and port-scale decarbonisation ambitions.

The building is topped by a faceted roof that houses a 1,200 square metre photovoltaic array. This array is designed to generate more energy than the facility consumes and to feed surplus power into the surrounding port development.

Constructed around a central planted courtyard, Écosystème D uses a wooden structure clad in metal panels. It houses a technology hall, incubator, training centre, showroom, laboratories, workspaces, and administrative areas to advance renewable energy research and education.

A cutting-edge energy hub in Dunkirk

The project integrates architectural form with energy strategy. It turns the port landscape into a living laboratory for decarbonisation.

The design responds to prevailing winds and interior needs. A lightweight, wood-led structure allows for future research flexibility.

Design and massing

The roof is an angular, faceted plane that rises from nine to eighteen metres. Its height adapts to wind patterns and the needs of the interior spaces.

The roof organizes a central courtyard that provides daylight and natural ventilation. A wide stepped staircase around the courtyard connects the training rooms with the workspaces.

The building’s form and envelope are driven by performance and flexibility. Overhanging roof planes and a high-performance envelope contribute to a compact energy profile.

The structure is predominantly wooden and clad in metal panels. This choice blends sustainability with a contemporary industrial look.

The courtyard-centric plan fosters social interaction. Stepped circulation enhances wayfinding and access to different program zones.

Programs housed

• Technology hall for demonstrations and equipment showcases
• Incubator to support startup and research ventures
• Training centre focused on renewable energy skills
• Showroom for partnerships and project portfolios
• Laboratories for testing and development
• Workspaces for collaboration and teamwork
• Administrative areas to sustain operations

Sustainable performance and bioclimatic strategy

Écosystème D is described as a positive energy building. It creates more energy than it uses and shares the surplus with the broader port ecosystem.

The project uses bioclimatic design and high-retrofit standards to reduce energy demand. This enables a flexible, research-oriented program.

Energy-positive envelope

The building has a high-performance envelope with triple-glazed windows and enhanced insulation. Carefully engineered joinery minimizes heat loss and optimizes daylighting.

Natural ventilation and strategic shading stabilize indoor temperatures. This improves occupant comfort and supports energy efficiency.

Photovoltaics and energy sharing

The 1,200-square-metre solar array on the roof is central to the project. The system generates surplus power that is distributed to the surrounding port development.

This approach to energy sharing supports Dunkirk’s transformation into a low-carbon energy district. It aligns with broader innovation and sustainability goals.

Social and economic context

Écosystème D acts as a catalyst for regional decarbonisation and knowledge transfer. The project builds partnerships with engineering schools, industry, and organizations focused on renewable energy and workforce development.

By locating the center within the port’s transformation, Snøhetta and Santer Vanhoof show how ports can become renewable energy research hubs and decarbonisation accelerators.

Project authorship and photography

The ensemble reflects a collaborative ethos. Snøhetta leads on architecture and system integration. Santer Vanhoof contributes engineering workspace insights.

The photography for the project is credited to Nicolas Fussler. His images capture the building’s light-filled interiors, materiality, and the dynamic relationship between form and function.

Écosystème D shows how bioclimatic design, modular space planning, and on-site energy generation can come together to create a sustainable and educational hub at the edge of a port city.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Snøhetta adds “positive energy building” to Dunkirk port