AUG 27-31
At Into The Great Wide Open, we build the future together. Literally. At the Construction Site of the Future, pioneers from the event and construction sectors join forces. Here, organisations experiment with zero-emission, circular, and bio-based construction techniques. This is a temporary laboratory where we can freely test new techniques, materials, and logistical concepts, with the nature of Vlieland as our backdrop.
peek behind the scenes
Curious about what is blooming in our testing ground? On Thursday, August 27, the Construction Site of the Future opens its doors with an informative day program on Vlieland full of inspiration, discussion, and knowledge sharing. Want to be there? Read more about the event here.
FESTIVAL AS A TESTING GROUND
The event industry and the construction sector have more in common than you might think. They face the same challenges regarding transport, energy supply, and material use, and must deal with sustainability challenges that require innovative solutions. Both sectors can learn a great deal from each other. The temporary nature of a festival location makes experimentation and knowledge exchange easier, whereas the longer duration of a construction site allows for greater impact and in-depth research. By combining both worlds, we help each other in the transition toward a circular and emission-free future. On the island, and far beyond.
BUILD with us
As a partner of Bouwplaats van de Toekomst (Construction Site of the Future), you become part of a powerful network and strengthen your own visibility as a pioneer in construction. Want to know more about our partnerships? Download the brochure or contact us directly.
our 4 pillars
emission-free energy
A festival or construction site requires massive amounts of energy, often without large grid connections being available. Frequently, they rely on fossil-fuel generators. The Construction Site of the Future proves that things can be done differently. Thanks to a smart network of mobile batteries, grid connections, and hydrogen generators, both the Construction Site and the festival ran entirely on local solar power and green hydrogen in 2025.
emission-free construction equipment and transport
The transition to emission-free energy also enables emission-free construction equipment: electric forklifts, vans and cherry pickers, which are charged on site with electricity from Dutch sun and wind. Together with Topsector Logistiek, the Construction Site is experimenting with emission-free transport. Think of electric trucks for the delivery and removal of materials, food and equipment. The lessons we learn here serve as a blueprint to accelerate the sustainability transition. In both the construction and events sectors.
biobased and circular building materials
On the Construction Site, plenty of experiments are being conducted with biobased alternatives to fossil building materials. For instance, BAM and Joosten Groep introduced a biodegradable geotextile for underneath the floor system in the backstage. We are also building with sustainable materials like bamboo. This fast-growing material stores a lot of CO₂, grows on poor soil and is incredibly strong. Together with bamboo specialist Studio Akeka, we prove that building with bamboo can be safe and reliable. The plan is to even build a complete stage with it this year.
water
This year we are adding a new pillar: water. And that is highly necessary as well, because due to pollution, climate change, and strict regulations, clean water is becoming less of a given. Consequently, there is a great need for local, circular, energy-positive, and emission-free solutions. Together with innovative companies, we are testing solutions here that purify and conserve water locally.
Report Construction Site of the Future 2025
To measure is to know and to report is learning further. That's why the Construction Site of the Future published a report in December 2025 with all the results from the 2025 edition summarized. In addition to lessons and conclusions for ourselves, these are also relevant insights for the construction sector, the events industry, knowledge partners, and policymakers to build further. Below is the complete report and the summary to read.
Stay informed
Curious about what is happening at the construction site? Leave your email address and receive updates about our new projects a few times a year.
Contact
Do you have questions about the Construction Site of the Future, or do you want to build with us? Email rob@intothegreatwideopen.nl.
FOR the press
Press releases and accompanying images are located in the press kit.
