Van Unnik to UNIEK
Project UNIEK- Redevelopment Willem C. van Unnik buildin
The Willem C. van Unnik Building has been a landmark in Utrecht Science Park for decades and will be transformed in the coming years into a modern, sustainable and future-proof building, in line with Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ's ambitions. With the UNIEK project, we are shaping a new way of working, learning and innovating, with sustainability, flexibility and collaboration at its heart.
What is UNIEK?
UNIEK is not just any renovation project; it is an ambitious plan at the heart of the campus. It sets an example of what circular redevelopment can achieve. The project comprises four sub-tasks:
- The redevelopment of the Willem C. van Unnik building into an energy-neutral education, research and office building.
- The redevelopment of the grounds surrounding the building, which will play an open and connecting role on the campus.
- The realisation of a pavilion in the Study Garden, between Van Unnik building, Rupert and Casa Confetti, suitable for education and meetings where sustainability and interaction are central.
- Modifications to the entrance of the Educatorium, creating a natural connection with the rest of the campus.
UNIEK is part of the beating heart of Utrecht Science Park: a vibrant, sustainable and inspiring environment where knowledge is shared, new ideas are born and the university works on solutions for tomorrow's challenges.
Visibly sustainable redevelopment
By focusing on circular construction and the reuse of existing structures, the UNIEK project is setting an example of sustainable leadership. Instead of completely demolishing the tower, we are reusing the skeleton and ensuring that it becomes a healthy and circular building. This means less consumption of raw materials and an extended lifespan of at least fifty years. With the latest construction techniques and knowledge, the Willem C. van Unnik building is becoming a visible example of what is possible in sustainable redevelopment. construction techniques and knowledge, the Willem C. van Unnik building will become a visible example of what is possible in sustainable redevelopment.
Impact on campus
The building will contribute to the vibrant centre of the campus. With its public functions on the ground floor and strong connection to surrounding buildings, the Willem C. van Unnik Building will not only improve the physical structure of the campus, but also stimulate liveliness and collaboration between students, staff and visitors.
Flexibility and Future-Proofing
An important feature of the UNIEK design project is flexibility. The building is designed to respond to the changing needs of the university and society. Modular spaces and adaptable workplaces allow the building to be easily reconfigured as the requirements for education, research and work change. This not only makes the building future-proof, but also creates a dynamic environment for innovation and collaboration.
Health, Sustainability and Innovation
The redevelopment focuses strongly on improving the health and well-being of users. Through the use of natural materials, smart energy-efficient installations and the creation of green zones, the building contributes to a healthier living and working environment. This makes it not only a sustainable building, but also a place where the university literally and figuratively supports its ambition to create a healthier world.
History and Innovation Combined
The construction of the Willem C. van Unnik building in 1969 was an example of innovative thinking at the time. Using the jackblock system, the building was constructed quickly and efficiently to meet the need for more space. Today, we are continuing that innovation by pioneering once again.
Ontwerpteam – Onder leiding van Mecanoo
Mecanoo, een toonaangevend architectenbureau, leidt het multidisciplinaire ontwerpteam dat verantwoordelijk is voor het ontwerp en technische uitwerking van project UNIEK. De ontwerpfase draait om het uitwerken van een ontwerp dat aansluit op de doelstellingen van de Universiteit Utrecht en de bredere ambities voor het Utrecht Science Park. Het team dat Mecanoo aanstuurt, bestaat uit experts op het gebied van bouwtechniek, duurzaamheid, en circulaire economie: DGMR (bouwfysica en duurzaamheid), Sweco (installatietechniek), Pieters (constructie), IGG (kostenbeheersing) en OPPS (kwaliteitsmanagement). Deze partijen werken samen om een ontwerp te ontwikkelen dat niet alleen architectonisch sterk is, maar ook voldoet aan de hoge eisen op het gebied van energie-efficiëntie, circulariteit, en gebruikersgemak.
Construction team – collaboration with contractor Berghege Heerkens bouwgroep
Project UNIEK is being developed by a construction team, in which the university, the design team led by Mecanoo and the construction team partner, Berghege Heerkens bouwgroep, have been working closely together since the start of the Final Design phase. The power of collaboration is crucial, especially in a complex project such as this. The construction team is working holistically on solutions that are technically sound, economically feasible and in line with the university's sustainability ambitions.
The preliminary design for the UNIEK project has been finalised and forms the basis for further development. In the next phase, the design team and the construction team partner will work with other stakeholders, such as representatives of the future users (the Faculty of Social Sciences and the ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ Administration Service), to further develop this design into a final design and specifications.
The choice of a construction team partner means that the contractor will now contribute ideas as an advisor during the design phase and the preparation for implementation. The actual contract for the redevelopment will follow at a later stage.
Sustainable and circular
Berghege Heerkens bouwgroep sees great opportunities for the UNIEK project to excel in the areas of circularity and sustainability. For example, there is a strong focus on timber construction, prefabrication and the reuse of materials.
Next Steps
In the coming period, the construction team will further develop the design. Special attention will be paid to construction logistics in the busy campus environment, safety for students and staff, and efficient implementation planning.
Draft phase planning
The current planning assumes commissioning in 2029. Roughly speaking, the schedule is as follows:
Design phase | Implementation phase | Completion | Commissioning |
| 2024–2026 | 2026–2028 | 2028 | 2029 |
More information
Do you have any questions about this project? Or would you like to know more about the work? Then email vanunnik@uu.nl. We will be happy to help you.
Future-proof accommodation
Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ is building sustainable and future-proof accommodation for all users, where they can optimally study, research and work on tomorrow's challenges. This is done on the basis of the Strategic Housing Plan. By providing efficient and sustainable accommodation, we not only reduce energy consumption but also keep housing costs manageable. This allows us to invest more in education and research.
