Energiedamwand demo unit

A new demonstration unit at The Green Village in Delft showcases the Energiedamwand Nederland, an innovative technique turning sheet piles into a renewable energy source. Summum Engineering realized a preliminary design that explored how to integrate this emerging technology into a versatile, sustainable building, offering visitors and stakeholders an immersive experience of the system in action.

Traditionally, sheet piles serve as riverbank or quay wall reinforcements, but through the Energiedamwand Nederland patented system, developed by CRUX Engineering and Gooimeer, they also become energy harvesters. Heat exchangers attached to steel sheet piles transfer thermal energy from surface water and the ground into a closed-loop fluid system. This energy can then be upgraded by a heat pump for heating buildings, or reversed to provide cooling. With steel’s natural thermal conductivity and strategic buffering of heat in the subsurface, the Energiedamwand offers a robust, low-impact solution. Early pilots have shown promising results, and the new demonstration unit, designed as a data collection hub and meeting space, represents a key step in refining, testing, and scaling this technology.

Design

Set on a sloped site by the canal, the unit prioritizes minimal site impact and future relocation. This is achieved through a compact structure (approximately 6.5m by 3.5m) using sheet piles as temporary retaining walls. The piles descend towards the canal in a staggered arrangement, stabilizing the terrain while creating depth and a visual connection to the system. This approach allows for full site restoration after the demonstration period and a facilitated relocation due to the size not requiring special transportation permits.

The framed structure rests on screw piles and is made of reclaimed steel elements and timber beams supporting a green roof welcoming the visitors approaching the unit. The sight-lines from across the canal have also been considered and enhanced by both angles of the sheet piles on the side and openings placed to make the unit look more dynamic and to draw the attention of passersby. The interior offers a warm atmosphere and a strategically placed glazed floor panel which offers a direct view of the technology’s inner workings, while a large opening towards the canal ease the correlation to the energy source.

User experience

Designed for small groups (four to six people), the unit facilitates presentations, discussions, and close examination of the system’s components. Visitors can easily trace the energy’s journey from its source in the canal and ground, through the sheet piles, and into the mechanical systems. The layout ensures that essential equipment (pumps, buffer tanks, and connections) is accessible and visible without overwhelming the interior space. A large screen displays general project information, complemented by a smaller display showing real-time energy production and usage data, enhancing both visitors understanding and the client’s presentation.

The interior creates a bright and inviting atmosphere, maximizing natural light with a large window overlooking the canal. The open floor plan promotes interaction and allow for flexible use of the space, whether for formal presentations around the table or more informal discussions.

Outcome

The final unit adopts a prefabricated approach tailored to the project’s evolving requirements. While differing from our original concept design, the realized structure builds upon the principles established during the preliminary phase, maintaining the emphasis on functionality, user experience, and connection to the energy sheet pile technology.

Our early work provided a foundation for understanding spatial relationships and strategies to communicate the system’s value effectively. This project demonstrates the importance of flexibility in adapting designs to meet specific project goals while ensuring the underlying vision remains intact and contextual considerations are not disregarded.

Client
CRUX Engineering BV

Energiedamwand Nederland
CRUX Engineering BV
Gooimeer BV

Design
Alessio Vigorito | Summum Engineering