Into The Great Wide Open

AUG 27-31

At Into The Great Wide Open, we’re building the future together. Literally. At Bouwplaats van de Toekomst, pioneers from the events and construction sectors join forces. Here, organizations experiment with emission-free, circular and bio-based construction methods: a temporary living lab where we can freely test new technologies, materials and logistical concepts, set against the natural backdrop of Vlieland.

FESTIVAL AS A PLACE FOR DEVELOPMENT

The events sector and the construction industry have more in common than you might think. They face the same challenges regarding transport, energy supply, material use, and water. Both are dealing with sustainability demands that require innovative solutions. Consequently, both sectors can learn a great deal from each other. The temporary nature of a festival location makes experimentation and knowledge sharing easier, while the longer duration of a construction site allows for greater impact and more in-depth research. By combining both worlds, we help each other in the transition to a circular and emission-free future. On the island, but especially far beyond.

Become a Partner

As a partner of Bouwplaats van de Toekomst, you will be part of a powerful group of companies that want to move forward together. You will also strengthen your network and your own visibility as a pioneer in the construction, logistics, and festival sectors. Want to know more about our partnerships? Download the brochure or contact us directly.

As a partner of Bouwplaats van de Toekomst, you will be part of a powerful network and strengthen your own visibility as a pioneer in construction. Want to know more about our partnerships? Read more below or contact us directly.

Brochure

our 4 pillars

emission-free energy

A festival or construction site requires huge amounts of energy, often without large grid connections being available. Often, fossil-fueled generators are still the norm here. Bouwplaats van de Toekomst proves that things can be done differently. For instance, in 2026, the entire assembly and disassembly of the Open Plek location was done using green hydrogen. We also worked with a new generation of container batteries and hydrogen generators. In addition, the People Power Planet hackathon took place again, where experts from the energy, construction, and festival sectors searched for new, practical solutions to energy challenges.

A festival or construction site requires enormous amounts of energy, often without large connections being available. Fossil-fueled generators are often still the norm. Bouwplaats van de Toekomst proves that things can be done differently. For instance, in 2026, the complete assembly and dismantling of the Open Plek location was powered by green hydrogen. We also worked with a new generation of container batteries and hydrogen generators. In addition, the People Power Planet hackathon took place once again, where experts from the energy, construction, and festival sectors searched for new, practical solutions to energy challenges.

emission-free construction equipment and transport

The transition to emission-free energy also enables emission-free construction equipment: electric forklifts, vans, and aerial work platforms, which are charged on-site with electricity from Dutch solar and wind power. This year, we are experimenting with V2G and V2L applications for electric cars, and a PTO truck. We also experimented for the first time with power supply via bidirectional charging. That was far from flawless, but it already works in practice. This leaves us wanting more, so we continue to work towards our goal: a fully functional, emission-free power grid via bidirectional vehicles.

biobased and circular building materials

At the Bouwplaats (Construction Site), plenty of experiments are being conducted with biobased alternatives to fossil-based construction materials. In 2025, BAM and Joosten Groep introduced a biodegradable geotextile for underneath the floor system in the backstage area. This year, we built a 9-meter-high stage made of bamboo: wind-resistant, lightweight, and 100% safe. The stage proved to be the most wind-resistant structure of the festival and was praised by artists for its acoustics. The next step? Scaling up. To build with bamboo on a large scale, solutions are needed for regulations, certification, and higher costs. To contribute to this, Bouwplaats of the Future is making the construction book and structural drawings public. We are also collaborating with ONCRA to convert stored CO₂ into financial compensation. In this way, we are trying to take building with bamboo to the next level.

water

In 2026, we added a new pillar: water. And for good reason: pollution, climate change and strict regulations mean clean water can no longer be taken for granted. That is why we need local, circular, energy-positive and emission-free solutions.

At the Construction Site, we tested various forms of water purification. The result? Drainage water can be treated to meet both Water Framework Directive (WFD) and drinking water standards.

The next step is to determine the optimal filter combination, cost per m³ and flow rate.

Report Bouwplaats van de Toekomst 2025

In December 2025, Bouwplaats van de Toekomst published a report bringing together all the results of the 2025 edition. It holds lessons and conclusions for us, but also insights for the construction sector, the events industry, knowledge partners and policymakers to build on. Read the full report and the summary below.

Report 2025

Summary Report 2025