First tenant receives key to student housing in Utrecht Science Park

College President Anton Pijpers today welcomed the first tenant of the total of 400 student housing units in the Utrecht Science Park. In a playful vlog he - along with Harry van Zandwijk (CEO Jan Snel) and Joost van Gestel (CEO Camelot Europe) the key in a beautiful bow to the first resident. The construction of the studios helps reduce the housing shortage.

The first students move into one of the 400 student housing units in Campus USP 030, on Limapad, today. Each studio consists of one unit measuring 3 by 6 meters (18m²) and has its own bathroom, kitchen and toilet. The studios are all furnished and unfurnished, so new residents can move in right away. Students also have access to a lounge area, laundry, study and game rooms in the building. A complex manager is also present. This manager oversees cleanliness and guides students with their questions. Thus, the student complex is equipped with all conveniences.

Anton Pijpers is enthusiastic: "This is a great moment. As Utrecht University, we are very happy that additional housing has been added to the Utrecht Science Park. This will provide another 400 students with affordable, good and above all sustainable housing."

Quick and smart solution in a jiffy

Early this year, Jan Snel began work on the foundation for the student complex. Meanwhile, the studios were prefabricated, so that after they were transported to site, they only had to be connected. About six weeks after the first studio was placed, all 400 student houses were in place by the end of March. Utrecht University put the finishing touches on the surrounding site in mid-June. The total construction, including fitting out the rooms, was put down in record time. Relocating some of the work to the factory made it possible to build faster, smarter and cleaner.

Sustainability high on the agenda

Sustainability was an important consideration in the construction of these units. Thanks to good insulation, a heat pump system and 270 PV panels on the roof, the homes meet an EPC of 0.4. The use of renewable energy sources not only reduces the burden on the environment, but also keeps costs down for residents.

Successful cooperation

Jan Snel BV and Camelot Europe BV jointly own the homes. Whereas Jan Snel is the builder, Camelot Europe will rent and manage the homes. The university has leased the land for 15 years, thus contributing to reducing the housing shortage among students. Previously, Jan Snel and Camelot Europe worked successfully on the realization of WASA Student Village in Amsterdam.

The future of the Utrecht Science Park

Utrecht Science Park wants to develop into an environment that invites a healthy lifestyle and contribute to this through education, research, care and business activity. The ambition is for the USP to become a car-free area, with an attractive center. The number of homes for students and employees will increase from 2,500 to 5,000. Curious about the specific plans? You can read it in the ambition document.