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HORTUS Fact #1 – The Developer’s Goals

hortus senn 01 scaled aspect ratio 4 3

Why HORTUS – SENN & the 6 Positives

 

HORTUS is not simply an office building – it’s a manifesto for radical, holistic sustainability.

In our projects, we think and work along six overarching dimensions of sustainability. We call them positive dimensions because their positive impacts create added value for everyone involved.

HORTUS is an acronym for
HOUSE
Of
Research
Technology
Utopia
and
Sustainability

SENN’s “Six Positives” framework shapes our decisions:

 

  1. Resource Positive means using no more resources in construction than necessary, relying as much as possible on renewable or recycled materials and planning for circular processes. Of course air, light, soil and water are also considered valuable resources for construction and operation.
  2. Energy Positive means consuming little energy in operation while producing an energy surplus, in the case of HORTUS paying back non-renewable grey energy from construction within a statistical generation.
  3. Community Positive means maximising the long-term acceptance of our buildings within the community, among neighbours, and users through clear positioning, purposeful integration, and open dialogue with all relevant stakeholders. The goal is to create a living ecosystem in which a community can thrive.
  4. Human Positive ensures healthy indoor climates, daylight-rich workspaces, and biophilic design that fosters well-being.
  5. Business Positive prioritises flexibility and collaborative use, making high-quality spaces more accessible.
  6. Investment Positive ensures long-term value, low lifecycle costs, and adaptability to changing needs.

 

You can find more information in our journal articles (only available in German).

Kreislaufbauen in der Praxis (DE) 

Biodiversität bauen im HORTUS (DE)

Sechs Dimensionen der Nachhaltigkeit (DE)

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