Driebergen-Zeist station

Lighting to create safe and sustainable public transport hub and protect the environment

Driebergen-Zeist station, located between Driebergen-Rijsenburg and Zeist, is on the Amsterdam–Arnhem line. It is an important regional mobility hub that welcomes almost 9,000 passengers every day, with services every hour to the different towns and cities in the area. 

The station underwent a major renovation between 2017 and 2020. Two new tracks, underground bike parking facilities and a new train and bus station were built to increase passenger capacity and encourage more people to use public transport. An underpass was also constructed to replace a nearby level crossing which was creating a bottleneck on the N225 road. 

The lighting was also replaced to ensure safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians navigating the new layout and to enable the local councils as well as ProRail, the Dutch organisation responsible for the national rail network, achieve their objectives of becoming energy neutral. 

Sustainability at the helm

The station is well known for its scenic landscape, as it is located next to several nature reserves. The redevelopment was completely focused on maximum sustainability, emphasising the feeling of stepping into nature when alighting the train and preserving the flora and fauna in the nearby reserves.  

The architectural firm Arcadis was commissioned to draw up the plans and oversee the work for the redevelopment of the station and the surroundings. 

Taking a holistic approach, the design and construction was driven by the local ecology, heritage and culture. Materials from the old station were reused during construction and solar panels were installed on the platform roofs. 



ProRail - Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment - Province of Utrecht - Municipalities of Utrechtse Heuvelrug and Zeist


Contractor: BAM
Architect: Arcadis

As preserving the fauna and flora was critical for this project, and lighting has a significant impact on the structure of the eco-system, we conceived the project accordingly. We created a passage for the wildlife under the road so that animals can move freely at night. In addition, we specified amber-coloured LEDs in the luminaires to create a pleasant ambiance.

Luc Veeger
Architect - Arcadis

Energy-efficient lighting to connect spaces and ensure safety 

A sustainable lighting solution that would eliminate glare, light spill and preserve the local biodiversity was the brief. 

The TECEO was ideal. This energy-efficient luminaire is fitted with optics that direct the light exactly where it is needed, ensuring there is no light trespass or glare

Thanks to its slim, arched design, it perfectly integrates the modern landscape, connecting the train station to the bus station, underpass and parking facilities to guide commuters. It delivers a significant upgrade in the quality, safety and vibrancy of the hub.  

Furthermore, made of robust materials that can be easily recycled at the end of its long life, it brings lasting and positive benefits. 

Amber lighting to protect nature  

Artificial bright white light can have an adverse impact on wildlife, disorientating them and disturbing their circadian rhythm. Amber lighting is preferable to support biodiversity. 

The TECEO luminaires, lighting all of the paths including the bike lanes, in close proximity to the nature reserves are fitted with amber LEDs to protect the wildlife while ensuring human safety and comfort.

On the main roads and railway platforms, the TECEO luminaires are equipped with warm white LEDs to provide the required lighting levels with excellent visibility. They create a well-lit environment where passengers and motorists feel safe and comfortable

warm white LEDs
16 TECEO 1
amber LEDs
31 TECEO 2
amber LEDs

An environment for all

The new carefully designed lighting facilitates sustainable travel. It creates a pleasant and smooth passage and a good sense of security for all commuters, whether they are transiting from the trains to a bus or their bikes while enhancing the station’s character, minimising energy consumption and protecting the local ecology. 

The public reaction has been very positive, and all of the partners and stakeholders are impressed. Special attention was given to the design, greenery and lighting. We are very proud of it!

Luc Veeger
Architect - Arcadis