Car hotel:

At Kempenaar, customer focus and professionalism are our top priorities—always have been. However, true professionalism also involves a conscious respect for the environment, especially in today’s world where climate change has become one of the most important global issues. Kempenaar is fully aware of this, and through initiatives like our unique auto hotel, we demonstrate our commitment.

Strict Environmental Standards
Of course, strict environmental regulations apply to all companies, and they must be adhered to rigorously. For businesses involved in dismantling end-of-life (damage) vehicles or handling chemical waste such as oils, engine coolants, and air conditioning refrigerants, even stricter standards apply. Kempenaar complies fully—naturally. But there’s much more companies can do—for the environment, surrounding communities, wildlife, and landscapes.

Unique Hotel Without Beds
Inspired by a trip to the United States, Jaap Kempenaar conceived of a revolutionary idea: a covered storage facility for dismantled vehicles—our innovative auto hotel. This three-storey warehouse (including the ground floor) can house hundreds of dismantled cars on a relatively small footprint. A distinctive curved roof, fully covered in plants and partly equipped with solar panels, hides the building from view, minimising visual pollution and horizon disruption.

Blood, Sweat, and Tears
Realising this extraordinary project involved immense effort from everyone involved. Particularly challenging was the movable interior—massive, electrically operated, side-moving shelving units spread over three decks, where each dismantled vehicle is stored. This engineering feat was difficult to achieve, but after years of planning, designing, ordering, constructing, and fine-tuning (the actual build took only six months), architect, contractor, subcontractors, horticulturist, and chief initiator Jaap Kempenaar successfully completed the project. The Netherlands now boasts its first auto hotel.

Efficient Design
Beyond the lush sedum roof with solar panels, efficiency is key to the entire concept. Thanks to the three-tiered, mobile warehouse shelving system, only one access aisle is needed, maximising storage space. The shelves can be moved laterally in opposite directions, so each damaged car can be lifted directly with a forklift without moving other vehicles, saving both space and time!