In the next few years Utrecht University will dispose of three buildings: the Went building, the Earth Sciences building and the Van Unnik building. The first to be demolished will be the Earth Sciences building.
The Buys Ballot building was recently renovated, but the Minnaert building needs a major overhaul as it will become part of the new Education Centre.
This new centre will be located between the Minnaert and Buys Ballot buildings and will be linked to these two buildings by overpasses.
The new educational facility, containing labs, study landscapes, classrooms and office/lounge spaces, will become the work environment of the University of Utrecht Geo- and Beta Science Faculties staff, scientists and students.
The new building consists of two elements: a tower with the labs on the top and self-study landscapes and common spaces underneath.
This area connects to the other new section of the building; the ‘loop’ (promenade), connecting the new tower with the Buys Ballot building and the Minnaert building and containing uses as auditoriums, study areas and restaurants.
Utrecht University has decided for a highly sustainable design. The University aims for the BREEAM qualification of excellent for its new building.
This is reflected in the planned transparent façade, heat-and-cold storage facility, recyclable materials and the solar panels on the roofs. Source by Ector Hoogstad Architecten.
Location: Utrecht, Holland
Architect: Ector Hoogstad Architecten
Area: 14,600 m2
Year: 2015
Client: University of Utrecht
Images: Ector Hoogstad Architecten