One MilkyWay: a new star on the Hague horizon

The Binckhorst in The Hague is in full transformation. Where industry once dominated, impressive buildings are now rising with a modern and sustainable vision. One of the eye-catchers in this development is One MilkyWay, a special housing and work project that embraces not only the neighborhood, but also the future. Waal is the builder behind this unique project. Project manager Rolf Janse takes us through its realization.

For Waal, One MilkyWay is a milestone. "We have a lot of experience with ground-level housing and apartment construction, but this project is of a different order," Janse says. "We do larger projects like this once every two years. It requires good cooperation and careful coordination with many parties. That is the essence of integral connecting: bringing all disciplines together to achieve an optimal result."

One MilkyWay, located at Melkwegstraat and Saturnstraat, includes three buildings with a total area of 37,000 m2. The most prominent component is the 76-meter-high residential tower with 223 apartments, 3 layers of offices and a commercial plinth. Next to it is a lower residential building with 30 apartments and a care plinth. The 40 apartments in the crown of the tallest tower are owner-occupied apartments; the remaining 213 homes will soon be leased by Achmea Real Estate. As icing on the cake, One MilkyWay will have a parking garage with a roof garden. The parking garage will be realized by Ballast Nedam as a secondary contractor.

Building smarter, living sustainably

Sustainability is a common thread throughout the project. "Building section B will be constructed entirely of CLT wood, storing 450 tons of CO2," explains Janse. "To that will be added solar panels, water retention, the roof garden and green facades. Facilities will also be created for birds, bats and insects. The great thing is that, in addition to realizing a beautiful building, we are thereby contributing to a better living environment." 

In addition to the innovative wood construction and green solutions, cooperation also plays a major role in the success. "The municipality of The Hague did its best to connect the surrounding construction projects in the area, limit the inconvenience to the surrounding area and builders and promote safety during the construction period. In the beginning this seemed quite a challenge, but it actually works very nicely. The atmosphere among themselves is good and everyone respects each other's work."

From industry to inspiration

With One MilkyWay, the Binckhorst not only gets new residents, but also a fresh identity. "In ten years the atmosphere here will be completely different, while retaining a piece of history," says Janse. "Think of the Kop van Zuid in Rotterdam: a former port area that is now bustling with life. The Binckhorst is heading in that direction as well." One MilkyWay will be completed in early 2026. Until then, Waal will continue to build on this sustainable and future-proof place. "Creating beautiful buildings that benefit society is what this is all about," Janse concludes aptly. "What could be better than building something together that makes everyone proud?"