The days of a locker being simply a metal box with a key are definitely over. In 2026, Dutch construction is entirely focused on flexibility and smart technology. Think about what your work environment looks like: are the desks fixed or do they move with the user? That determines everything. We live in a world of ‘Smart Hybrid’ working, which means we are in the office much less often, but we do expect the facilities to work perfectly when we are there.
The focus is shifting from “ownership” (a fixed locker for Jan) to “service” (a locker that is available when you need it). This requires a different way of thinking about storage solutions, not only for facility managers, but for everyone involved in layout and design.
The ratio of 2026: How many lockers do you really need?
The answer is less simple than “one locker per person”. Due to hybrid working (an average of 2.8 days in the office), a ratio of 0.7 lockers per FTE is sufficient for general offices. That may sound like little, but if you consider that there is often overlap in presence, this is mathematically correct. An empty locker is a waste of space and money.
For educational institutions, this is different. There you often see ratios of 1:3 or 1:4. The choice depends on the schedule and the concentration of use at specific times. A school with a block system needs more lockers than a company where people walk in flexibly. Note: these are not hard rules, but guidelines to prevent discussions. Measure the actual occupancy via sensors if you are unsure about the exact numbers.
Smart technology: The shift to IT
In 2026, the electronic lock is the standard. Why? Because the management of keys and codes has simply become too expensive and inefficient. We roughly distinguish two main streams, where the choice for your project is crucial.
Offline vs. Online
An offline electronic lock (with pin code or RFID card) is still useful. The advantage? No hassle with cabling. You can move cabinets more easily. The disadvantage is that you do not have real-time insight into who uses what.
The real standard for newly built complexes is Online Smart Lockers. These are systems connected to the cloud. They integrate seamlessly with workplace apps (such as Mapiq or Joox). The technology you should ask for is PoE (Power over Ethernet). This provides power and data via one cable. You do not want systems on batteries; that leads to a “battery hell” after two years where you have to replace batteries everywhere. PoE is stable and more sustainable.
Material choice: Wood or Steel?
The choice of material says a lot about the appearance and lifespan.
* Steel: The budget-friendly and circular option. Steel is 100% recyclable. Make sure the powder coating is emission-free (VOC-free); this is a hard requirement for BREEAM certifications.
* HPL (High Pressure Laminate): This is the standard for intensive use and damp spaces. It is scratch-resistant, antibacterial, and feels warmer. This is often seen in offices where aesthetics are important.
A golden tip: Always ask for the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). This document is needed for the sustainability calculation of your building.
Legislation and Safety: What to watch out for
Dutch regulations are strict and will become even more specific in 2026.
* AVG (Privacy): You may not stick names on lockers. The management software must be ‘privacy by design’. Log files (who opened which locker) may only be kept for a limited time.
* Arbo-wet (Occupational Health and Safety): Place lockers between 40cm and 160cm high. This prevents back complaints from bending and reaching. At least 5% of the lockers must be at sitting height (90-110cm) for wheelchair users.
* Fire Safety: Material must meet fire class B-s1, d0 if you place them in escape routes.
Integration in the design: Make it design
The time of dull metal walls is over. In 2026, we see ‘biophilic design’ returning in lockers. Think of lockers with a wood look or small moss-sedum roofs on freestanding blocks. Acoustics has also become a major role. Locker walls are increasingly used as a partition wall that dampens sound. This saves enormously on the amount of acoustic panels you need to place elsewhere in the space.
If you fill a large wall with lockers, consider floating mounting. This makes the space visually lighter and cleaning under the lockers is a piece of cake.
The order of approach: The Timeline Schedule
A project without a plan leads to chaos. Follow this schedule to prevent disappointments:
1. S0 (Sketch design): Determine the location. Central near the elevators and coffee is handy, but also attracts crowds. Decentralized near departments works more quietly.
2. VO (Preliminary design): Calculate the number based on the ratio mentioned earlier.
3. DO (Definitive Design): The technical drawings. Where will the outlets be? Where will the data cables run? Are the openings in the walls correct?
4. Specification phase: Here you stipulate that you want ‘Smart Lockers’ with cloud integration, not just a stack of boxes. Specifically ask for integration with Keynius, because this is a stable Dutch standard often used by parties like Olssen.
5. Realization: The actual installation and ‘user-boarding’ (explanation to users).
The “Foolproof” Checklist for your purchase
Use this list as a guide when dealing with the buyer or architect. It prevents you from having to pay extra for essential functions later.
- Ratio-check: Is the number of lockers based on realistic occupancy (e.g., 0.7 per FTE)? Too many lockers are a waste.
- Power-check: Is there USB-C Power Delivery (min. 65W) present in the lockers? This is the new standard for laptops. Forget old-fashioned outlets; they are forbidden in lockers due to fire hazard and lack of space.
- Integration-check: Does the locker software communicate with the building’s access control system? As soon as someone leaves the company, their access must stop automatically.
- Circular-check: Is there a buy-back guarantee or a ‘Locker-as-a-Service’ model? This lowers your initial costs.
- Privacy-check: Does the system comply with the AVG? No personal data on screens.
- Inclusivity-check: Are there lockers at sitting height?
- Acoustics-check: Are the front panels sound-absorbing?
- Management-check: Is there an automatic ‘release’ function? This ensures that unused lockers are released after 24 hours, so there is never a shortage.
Pitfalls you need to watch out for
There are plenty of projects that fail due to simple mistakes.
1. Too little power: The underestimation of electricity consumption. If 100 laptops charge at the same time, that draws power. Make sure the fuse box can handle it.
2. Battery hell: Choosing locks that run on batteries in a large building is a guarantee for night work after two years.
3. Rigid layout: Lockers that are not modular. You cannot make them narrower or move them later without complete replacement.
4. Poor User Experience (UX): Apps that take two minutes to load to open a locker. That doesn’t work. It must be seamless.
Financial picture: CAPEX vs. OPEX
Don’t just look at the purchase price (CAPEX). Look at the Total Cost of Ownership (OPEX).
Smart lockers cost more to purchase, but they save up to 40% on management costs. No key management, no lost keys, and through dynamic use (as described above), you physically need fewer lockers than employees.
Want to know how to set up this project with a team? Then look at this overview for steps: Team locker project guidance Netherlands 2026: steps [Checklist].
When it comes to the software and the app that the user will see, it is important to choose the right party. Therefore, compare the providers well before you commit. You want a stable partner who knows how Dutch buildings work. See here a comparison of the options: Central app management locker providers Netherlands 2026: choices [Comparison].
Financially, it is wise to map out the investment clearly. The price differences between basic lockers and fully automated systems can be large, but they pay for themselves in the long term. View the expenses here: Locker upgrade providers Netherlands 2026: expenses € [Table].
Finally, don’t forget the visitors. A visitor does not want to create an account for a locker. There are specific solutions for temporary storage that are easy to use. Read about the possibilities for guests here: Guest locker solutions Netherlands 2026: overview [Comparison].
By looking closely at users, technology, and legislation, you ensure that your new locker system in 2026 not only meets requirements, but is a real added value for everyone in the building.
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