Skyscraper construction is at a pivotal moment. Affordability, sustainability, and speed are reshaping the industry, demanding new approaches. Without innovation, De Zalmhaven may remain the tallest building in the Netherlands for years to come.
At a recent event hosted by Rollecate B.V., Schüco Nederland, and Celest, our lead architect Diederik Dam joined industry leaders to explore a crucial question: what’s next for facade design? One key takeaway: prefabrication and modular construction are essential to building faster, more efficiently, and with less waste. While the Netherlands may not be leading in extreme high-rise construction, it is at the forefront of circular building practices, pioneering modular, reusable, and energy-neutral solutions that could redefine the global industry. But how do we accelerate this transformation? The answer lies in bold innovation and stronger collaboration across the industry.

Watch the video of the event here for key insights—plus a powerful poem by Derek Otte that captures the essence of the discussion.

A special thanks to Rollecate B.V., Schüco Nederland, and Celest for organizing this event, and to Nanne De Ru (Powerhouse Company, Construction Company & RED Company), Do Janne Vermeulen (Team V Architectuur), Eric Moleman (BAM Bouw en Techniek), Thomas Humpf (VP Schüco Nederland), and Jos Mulkens (Rollecate B.V.) for their invaluable contributions.