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Scheme chosen for Utrecht healthy-living quarter

4 Jul 17 A development proposal for a new urban quarter has been chosen by the Dutch city of Utrecht from a shortlist of four schemes.

The concept from a consortium of G&S Vastgoed and KondorWessels Projecten is focused on bringing nature into the city to promote healthier living in a new urban quarter. The consortium’s winning proposal for the municipal tender is called Wonderwoods. The Wonderwoods plans consists of two towers (90m and 70m high) that will provide space for residential, business, relaxation and entertainment purposes. Architectural firms Stefano Boeri Architetti and MVSA Architects have signed off on the plan on behalf of the consortium. The highest tower will be located at the Croeselaan and will look like a vertical forest with plants growing on the balconies and the building itself.

Stefano Boeri Architetti and Arcadis are working out the details of this plan in consultation with Utrecht Botanic Gardens, part of Utrecht University.

The tower near the Kinepolis cinema will feature curves and a great deal of green on the inside. This will be visible from the outside because the main halls will be able to be opened up.

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Wonderwoods will provide rental and non-rental homes to various target groups, including people employed in the public sector. The scheme will also have space for offices, eating places, fitness/yoga, small shops, learning, icycle parking, a Playlab, which will provide an experience of virtual reality and 3D as well as visual art.

The municipality of Utrecht announced its Healthy Urban Quarter ambition at the Expo Real in Munich in October 2016. From a total of 20 consortiums that submitted their vision, the municipality selected four whose visions were then developed into plans. These plans were submitted in May and the municipality selected the best plan after a thorough assessment. The winning consortium of G&S Vastgoed and KondorWessels Projecten will sign a reservation agreement soon, guaranteeing its exclusive rights and ability to work out the plan to create a final design.

Construction is due begin in 2019 and Wonderwoods is expected to be ready for use in 2022.

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