The Passerelle in Zwolle, the wooden cycling and pedestrian bridge over the railway, has won no fewer than three major awards. The bridge received the Cobouw Infra Award 2025, was granted an Honourable Mention by the jury of the National Timber Construction Award 2025, and also won the public prize. This exceptional recognition celebrates both the innovative design and the intensive collaboration between the design team led by Karres en Brands, the Municipality of Zwolle, and Dura Vermeer.

The Passerelle connects Zwolle’s city centre with the southern part of the city, yet it was designed to be much more than a functional link. The bridge is an elevated public space, featuring seating areas, lush planting, a rooftop garden, playful water elements, and sheltered niches for birds, bats, and insects. With its characteristic arch and views over the railway and the city, the Passerelle encourages visitors to slow down, pause, and enjoy the surroundings. The design demonstrates how infrastructure, nature, and spatial quality can reinforce one another.

The bridge aligns seamlessly with the sustainability ambitions of clients ProRail and the Municipality of Zwolle. By opting for a defining wooden structure, the CO₂ emissions are 74% lower than those of a comparable steel bridge. These pioneering design choices required smart technical solutions, particularly in relation to water management and the planting on the bridge. The successful realisation demonstrates that sustainable innovation and architectural quality can go hand in hand.

Winning three awards underscores the broad appreciation for the Passerelle as a pioneering project in sustainable infrastructure. For Karres en Brands, this recognition is a valuable encouragement to continue working with partners on careful, sustainable, and nature-inclusive design solutions.